By Olatunde Rufai
A victim of a kidnapping incident in Isanlu Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oluwanishola Adedayo, has recounted the harrowing experience he endured in the hands of suspected Fulani herders who abducted him and other farmers, his elder brother and four other farm neighbours on Thursday, 15th December 2022.
Speaking to our correspondent at a health facility in Ilorin, the State capital, Adedayo narrated that the incident stemmed from a long-standing conflict between local farmers and herders in the area. “Fulani herders brought their cattle into the family farm for the third time. They allowed their cows to feast on our crops. Due to the repeated invasions, we decided to poison the farm in an attempt to protect our produce. This unfortunately led to the death of some of their cows,” he said.
According to Adedayo, the herders returned to retaliate. “On that fateful Friday, the 15th December, they kidnapped me, my brother, James Adedayo with four of our neighbours on the farm and took us deep into the forest. They tortured us severely,” he recounted.
Tragedy struck three days later when his brother, James Adedayo, attempted to escape from captivity. “On 18th December 2022, my brother tried to flee but was shot by the kidnappers. He later died from the gunshot wound at a health facility in Ilorin, the State capital, where he was rushed after he was found two days of the gunshot incident,” Adedayo said somberly, while trying to fight back tears.
The victims’ faces were covered throughout their ordeal as the kidnappers demanded ransom from their families. However, in a surprising turn of events, Adedayo said he was freed by one of the kidnappers who appeared to sympathize with his plight. “One of their leaders took pity on me and secretly rescued me from captivity,” he explained.
Adedayo further revealed that ransom payments were made for the release of the other four victims, who were his neighbours abducted alongside him. He also learnt that after their release, the kidnappers allegedly carried out another attack on a nearby farm, which eventually led to a confrontation with security operatives.
The incident underscores the growing tension and insecurity in parts of Kwara State linked to farmer-herder clashes, which have become a recurring challenge for residents and authorities in the region.
When contacted, local security agencies confirmed that efforts were ongoing to curb the activities of criminal elements in the area and ensure the safety of residents.
“We are working to end their activities as soon as possible. Ten of those that has been terrorizing the area were arrested and has been handed over to the police, leader of local security operatives said.
