A prominent traditional ruler in Nigeria’s Kwara State, Oba Kamilu Salami, the Olukoro of Koro, has been released from captivity after a harrowing 25-day ordeal. His liberation brings immense relief to his family, the Koro community, well-wishers, and the wider state, following weeks of intense anxiety over his safety and whereabouts. The monarch’s abduction had sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for urgent government intervention in the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Oba Salami reportedly regained his freedom late on Sunday evening, though the precise circumstances of his release remain largely undisclosed by authorities. Sources close to the family indicated that he was reunited with his loved ones in the early hours of Monday, appearing physically frail but otherwise unharmed. His return marks a significant moment for a community that had been gripped by fear and uncertainty since his disappearance.
The Olukoro of Koro was abducted on January 25, 2024, at his palace in Koro, a community within the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Gunmen, numbering several individuals, reportedly stormed the palace, overpowering any security details present and whisking the monarch away to an unknown location. The incident sent shockwaves across the state, highlighting the vulnerability of even high-profile figures to criminal elements.
Following his abduction, security agencies, including the police and military, launched extensive search operations in the surrounding forests and communities. Concurrently, family members and community leaders engaged in strenuous efforts to secure his release, often involving delicate negotiations. While official statements have been scarce regarding any ransom payment, it is widely understood that such financial exchanges frequently form a critical part of securing the release of abductees in similar incidents across Nigeria.
News of Oba Salami’s release has been met with jubilant celebrations in Koro and beyond, with residents expressing profound gratitude and relief. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who had previously condemned the abduction, lauded the efforts of security agencies and community stakeholders involved in securing the monarch’s freedom. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing security measures and ensuring the safety of all citizens and residents.
The abduction of Oba Salami is one in a series of high-profile kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions. Traditional rulers, clerics, and ordinary citizens have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs seeking ransom, often operating with impunity. This pervasive insecurity has severely impacted socio-economic activities and instilled a deep sense of fear among the populace.
Security experts and civil society organisations have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to adopt more robust strategies to tackle the menace of banditry and kidnapping. They advocate for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced community policing initiatives, and swift prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a strong deterrent. The incident involving Oba Salami further underscores the urgency of these appeals for comprehensive security reforms.
Traditional rulers like Oba Salami play a crucial role in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and preserving cultural heritage within their domains. Their abduction not only destabilises local governance but also erodes public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold law and order. His safe return is expected to restore a vital sense of normalcy and confidence within the Koro community.
As Oba Salami recovers from his ordeal, attention now shifts to preventing future occurrences and ensuring the long-term security of Kwara State and neighbouring areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian communities and the ongoing need for collaborative efforts between government, security forces, and citizens to foster a safer and more secure environment for all inhabitants.
