Relief has returned to the Bayagan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the dramatic escape of the district head, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, from his abductors.

The traditional ruler, who was kidnapped on Saturday morning while working on his farm, escaped alongside six other captives after vigilante operatives launched a fierce offensive against the kidnappers deep inside the forest, Just Event Online TV and TVC report.

According to community sources, the vigilante team tracked the abductors to the Eku Idaji axis near Igbaja, where they engaged the kidnappers in a heavy gun duel.

The sustained pressure reportedly forced the criminals to abandon their captives, enabling Alhaji Salami and the six others to flee to safety.

The Ojibara and the escapees have contacted community members, confirming their escape and assuring them of their safety, though they have not yet physically returned to Bayagan.

Alhaji Salami was seized around 9:30 a.m. on his riverside farm, with fellow farmers raising the alarm after discovering his motorcycle abandoned at the scene. A farmer who witnessed the incident reported that the kidnappers forced the district head onto a motorcycle before speeding into the bush.

The abductors were said to have demanded a hefty N150 million ransom.

Security operatives and vigilante groups are continuing their operations in the forest to track down the fleeing kidnappers, while residents eagerly await the safe return of their district head.