From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Tension has continued to mount in Oba-Isin community, of Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, as armed bandits who abducted Mrs Funke Ogunrinde, wife of a forest guard killed during Wednesday’s attack, have demanded ₦100 million for her release.
The late forest guard, Raheem Ogunrinde, popularly known in the area as Baba Kafaya, was reportedly shot dead during a gun battle with the attackers who stormed the ancient town on Wednesday evening. His wife was whisked away shortly after he was killed.
The brazen attack has thrown the quiet community into mourning, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring towns over fears of further invasion. Security operatives have since been deployed to the area to forestall another assault and restore calm.
A family source, who spoke in Ilorin on Thursday under condition of anonymity, disclosed that the abductors reached out with a hefty ransom demand.
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“The bandits called this morning and said that if we want our mother, Mrs Funke Ogunrinde, alive, we should pay ₦100 million as ransom,” the source revealed.
According to the source, frantic efforts are ongoing to negotiate with the kidnappers and raise funds for her freedom.
“We have been moving up and down to raise the money. We have also asked the bandits to reduce the amount, but they are yet to listen to us,” the family member said.
The family is also grappling with the pain of losing the slain forest guard while making burial arrangements.
“We are still grieving the killing of our father, Mr Raheem Ogunrinde, during the invasion of our town. As I speak with you, we are arranging his burial,” the source added.
The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Kwara South, where communities have repeatedly called for strengthened surveillance and sustained security presence to curb attacks on rural settlements.
