SUNTV Global Channel | January 16, 2026 | Kwara State
Suspected terrorists have demanded a ₦20 million ransom for the release of a woman abducted from Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, threatening to kill her if their deadline is not met.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the victim, a trader, was kidnapped while travelling within Kwara State. Since her abduction, her family has been locked in tense negotiations with the kidnappers, who have remained adamant that only the full ransom payment will secure her freedom.
An audio recording of the negotiation, obtained by SaharaReporters and reviewed by SUNTV Global Channel, reveals chilling details of the exchange between the abductors and the victim’s relatives. In the recording, one of the kidnappers, who struggled to communicate clearly in Yoruba, repeatedly pressured the family to disclose how much money they had raised so far.
When a family member informed the abductors that they had managed to gather ₦2.5 million, the kidnappers immediately rejected the offer. They reportedly dismissed the plea with mockery, asking whether emotional appeals were what they were expected to “eat.”
The terrorists then issued a direct and frightening threat, warning that the woman would be killed if the full ₦20 million ransom was not paid before their set deadline. Despite desperate pleas from the family, the abductors showed no sign of mercy.
The victim’s family has since made a public appeal to Nigerians, saying they are financially exhausted and overwhelmed by the demand. According to them, they have sold nearly all their personal belongings and properties in a bid to save their loved one, managing to raise about ₦3 million, an amount still far below what the kidnappers are demanding.
The abduction is the latest in a disturbing wave of kidnappings sweeping across Kwara State, where both young and elderly residents have increasingly become targets. Many affected families have been forced to sell assets, borrow money, or plunge into debt to secure the release of abducted relatives.
In recent months, two traditional rulers in Kwara State were also kidnapped by armed men. While one monarch reportedly regained his freedom after the payment of a ransom, the other monarch remains in captivity alongside his son, who was abducted with him and is still being held by the terrorists.
Similarly, in December 2025, several staff members of the Kwara State Ministry of Works were abducted at Owa Onire in Isin Local Government Area. As of the time of filing this report, they remain in captivity. Their families disclosed that the kidnappers have refused to negotiate with them directly, insisting instead on talks with the Kwara State Government.
Relatives of the abducted ministry workers have accused the state government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of neglect and failing to take decisive steps to secure the release of their loved ones.
As fear and uncertainty continue to grip communities across the state, residents are calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to tackle the worsening insecurity and rescue those still held in captivity.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow developments on this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
