Bandits demand N100m ransom for widow of slain Forest Guard in Kwara

2026-02-12 - 17:19

By Demola Akinyemi ILORIN — Suspected bandits who abducted Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde, wife of a slain forest guard in Oba-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly demanded N100 million ransom for her release. The abduction followed a deadly attack on Wednesday evening in which the forest guard, Mr. Raheem Ogunrinde, popularly known as Baba Kafaya, was shot and killed. Sources said the gunmen invaded the town around 7:00 p.m., tracking the deceased to his residence where he was reportedly seated with his brother, a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The attackers opened fire, killing him on the spot before fleeing into nearby bushes as security operatives responded to the sound of gunshots. The incident threw the community into panic, forcing some residents to flee to neighbouring towns for safety. Security personnel have since taken over the area to prevent further attacks. A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the abductors contacted them on Thursday morning with a N100 million ransom demand. “We were told that if we want our mother, Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde, released alive, we must pay N100 million. We have appealed to them to reduce the amount, but they have not agreed. We are also mourning the killing of our father and making arrangements for his burial,” the source said. In a related development, four persons kidnapped along the Omu-Aran–Isanlu-Isin road on January 5, 2026, were reportedly released on Wednesday afternoon. A security source confirmed that the victims are currently receiving medical treatment in Ilorin and Omu-Aran. However, the source disclosed that another incident occurred on Tuesday evening along the Correctional Centre Road, where one person was reportedly killed and another abducted. Residents of Isanlu-Isin and surrounding communities are said to be in a state of anxiety, with some schools temporarily closed due to security concerns. Meanwhile, security operatives in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area, arrested a suspect alleged to have been disguising as a beggar. According to a security source, intelligence reports indicated that some criminal elements had been using such disguises to monitor communities. Investigations are ongoing.