Terrorists have reportedly killed a farmer and businessman, identified as Bashiru Akanmu Taiwo Olajide, after abducting him from his residence in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Olajide was reportedly kidnapped at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when armed men invaded his residence in the local government area.
A source familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the victim was subsequently killed by his abductors because his health condition made it difficult for him to walk long distances.
The source, who expressed deep pain over his death, said it was necessary to correct reports circulating about the circumstances surrounding the killing, particularly claims that Olajide was murdered by hired assassins.
“He was kidnapped around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, the 7th, at his residence around Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara State.
“I think he was unable to walk for a very long distance because of his health issue, which led to his brutal killing by his abductors.
“Though I’m in very serious pain due to this, I need to make this known to correct certain rumours being circulated that he was killed by hired assassins. This is far from the truth,” the source said.
The source further defended the deceased’s reputation, describing him as a legitimate businessman and hardworking farmer who earned his living through agricultural activities and the sale of farm produce.
Dismissing suggestions that Olajide was involved in questionable business dealings, the source insisted that his activities were legitimate and centred on agricultural produce.
“Bashiru was not into shady deals.
“He was a hardworking farmer and businessman dealing in grains, yam flour and many other farm produce,” the family source added.
The source also expressed concern over the silence of Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and a prominent political figure from Baruten, over the incident.
According to the source, Danladi-Salihu had not publicly addressed the killing, raising questions about the response of political leaders to security incidents affecting their communities.
However, no independent explanation was provided for the Speaker’s reported silence.
Baruten, where the incident occurred, is among the communities in Kwara State facing growing concerns over insecurity, with residents increasingly worried about the activities of armed groups and the safety of people in rural settlements.
The killing comes amid broader security challenges across Kwara State, particularly in the northern and southern parts, where communities have continued to report threats from armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Residents in several communities have repeatedly raised concerns about abductions, killings and attacks on rural settlements, with farmers and business owners among those exposed to the growing security threats.
The situation has heightened fears among residents who depend on farming and commercial activities for their livelihoods, particularly those living in remote communities where security response may be limited.
Olajide’s reported killing has further drawn attention to the vulnerability of residents to abductions, even within their homes, and the brutal circumstances under which kidnapping victims sometimes lose their lives.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement from the Kwara State Police Command or the state government concerning the incident was contained in the information available.