Confusion has continued to trail the abduction of a chieftain of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, and two other persons in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victims were abducted while on a mission to facilitate the release of a previously kidnapped individual in the community.

Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that Fabiyi, a driver and another associate were conveying about N30 million in cash, five motorcycles and three bags of rice believed to be part of arrangements made for the release of the captive when they were ambushed by armed men.

According to the sources, the ransom delivery was part of ongoing efforts by relatives and community members to secure the freedom of the abducted victim.

However, it was later alleged that the victim had already been killed by the kidnappers before the ransom team set out on the journey, a development reportedly unknown to those involved in the rescue effort.

The abductors were said to have instructed the team to proceed to a forested location along a route linking Kwara and Kogi states, where they were subsequently seized at gunpoint and taken away.

Further details indicated that the OPC leader had allegedly sought spiritual consultation before embarking on the trip and was advised against undertaking the journey. 

The warning, sources claimed, was ignored.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with reports suggesting that the matter was not immediately reported to security agencies.

When contacted, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ojo Adekimi, said the command had not received any formal report regarding the alleged kidnapping of an OPC member or his associates.

The police commissioner stated that the command would commence investigations into the matter once an official complaint is lodged and relevant details are provided.

The incident has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring communities, where cases of kidnapping for ransom have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.