Panic In Ekiti Community As Kidnappers Brutally R@pes Woman to Death

Residents in several communities across Ekiti State are expressing deep concern over a disturbing rise in insecurity following the reported abduction and death of a middle-aged woman in the Ajoni axis of the state.

Local sources said the woman was kidnapped by suspected criminal elements and later died after being repeatedly assaulted while in captivity. Reports indicate that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦1.5 million, alongside drugs and other items, before agreeing to release her body to the community.

According to residents, the criminals listed items such as “Canadian Loud,” cocaine, crystal meth, and cartons of beer among the conditions for returning the deceased woman’s remains.

Community members reportedly struggled to obtain the drugs requested. Instead, villagers are said to have pooled money together to meet the financial demand. Four men from the area volunteered to take the ransom to the kidnappers in hopes of recovering the victim’s body.

However, the situation reportedly escalated when the four volunteers were allegedly captured by the same armed group during the exchange attempt.

Following the incident, the kidnappers reportedly sent another message to the community with an even more disturbing demand — asking that two virgin girls be handed over in exchange for the release of the detained men, while threatening to kill them if the demand was not met.

The development has intensified fear across nearby settlements, with residents claiming that armed gangs have been active in the region for years with minimal intervention.

Locals say at least six communities — Itapaji, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele, Ijowa, and Ipao — are currently facing serious security threats. Residents claim the attackers move around the area freely and have restricted access to essential services, including water sources and healthcare facilities.

Community members also voiced frustration with what they describe as limited response from their elected representatives, accusing both their senator and House of Representatives member of failing to address the situation beyond offering condolences.

Some residents warned that the persistent attacks could evolve into a broader humanitarian crisis if urgent steps are not taken.

A pan-Yoruba socio-political organization has confirmed receiving reports of the incident and has urged authorities to act quickly to address the deteriorating security situation in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, residents are appealing to the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and restore safety across the troubled towns, insisting that the perpetrators are known within the area and can be apprehended if decisive action is taken.