Residents of Awun community in the Oro-Ago district of Kwara State have secured the release of three kidnapped family members after raising and paying a ₦60 million ransom, alongside food items demanded by their abductors.
The ransom was reportedly raised through contributions from residents and indigenes of the community living both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
A community source disclosed that, beyond the cash payment, the kidnappers also demanded two 50kg bags of rice, a 20-litre container of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, 10kg of semovita, assorted alcoholic drinks, Maggi seasoning, and other food supplies, all of which were delivered before the victims were released.
The source said the fundraising appeal was circulated on the community’s WhatsApp platform, where residents and indigenes abroad coordinated donations.
The victims, a pregnant woman and two children aged between four and 15, were kidnapped from their home in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was away.
The pregnant woman regained her freedom last week, while the two children were released on Monday after the community completed the ransom payment.
According to the source, the victims endured severe hardship throughout their captivity, adding that the kidnappers deliberately held on to the children even after freeing the pregnant woman.
Another resident, Fijabi Ismail, described the security situation in Awun as alarming.
“Our situation in Awun is pitiable. Only God can save us,” he said.
He added that although the community was relieved by the children’s release, the enormous ransom payment had placed a heavy financial burden on residents and supporters who contributed to secure the victims’ freedom.
