The ruler of Bayagan Ile, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, is still being held by his captors five days after he was seized, according to community sources who spoke on Thursday.
He was taken on Saturday morning while working on his farm in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Since then, mixed reports have circulated about whether he had been released.
The community spokesperson, Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla, told Vanguard that he spoke directly with the monarch on Tuesday. He said the ruler confirmed he had not been moved from the spot where he was first held. Ayinla explained that discussions with the abductors are centred strictly on ransom demands.
He added that apart from a councillor from the local government and a few neighbouring traditional rulers who came to show support, there has been no official visit from security agencies or the state government in Ilorin.
In a formal statement, Ayinla dismissed claims that the monarch had been rescued by hunters. He said the ruler personally confirmed on 2 December 2025 that he remains in captivity and urged the public to ignore any reports suggesting otherwise.
The Royal Family asked the public and media to verify any updates with them to avoid spreading misinformation. Efforts within the community are ongoing to secure the monarch’s safe return.
