Kwara police intensify search as father, son spend two weeks in captivity
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Security operatives in Kwara State have intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of an elderly man and his son who were ambushed by unidentified gunmen two weeks ago.
The victims, identified as Elder Bamidele Matthew and his son, Bamidele Ibukun, were intercepted while traveling to their farm along the Idofin-Igbana axis of Iloffa on October 20, 2026.
Following the sudden disappearance of the duo, tension has continued to build among residents of the Oke-Ero Local Government Area where the agrarian community is located.
Confirming the incident to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, stated that law enforcement officers were immediately deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Despite the swift deployment of tactical units to the surrounding forests, police authorities acknowledged that security teams have not yet achieved a major breakthrough in locating the victims’ whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the command has reassured anxious community members and the family that search operations will remain active until the victims are successfully safely retrieved.
In addition to ground pursuit, police authorities are reportedly strengthening intelligence-gathering efforts and collaborating with local vigilante groups to comb the dense border thickets.
Ultimately, the police command reiterated its firm commitment to ending the ordeal, pledging to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the victims are rescued and reunited with their loved ones.
