Founder survives multiple kidnapping attempts, as community vigilantes intervene

In a disturbing series of events, Temitope Stephen Bamidele, founder of the Focus Foundation, narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping at his residence on June 2, 2022. The charity organisation, dedicated to improving public health, promoting security, and fostering job creation, was targeted during a routine weekly meeting at Bamidele’s property on Oke Ogun Close.

According to reports, a group of armed assailants, wielding cutlasses and machetes, stormed the premises with the intent of kidnapping Bamidele. Thanks to Bamidele’s quick reflexes and keen awareness of the danger, he managed to flee the scene unharmed. However, several individuals present were injured, and significant damage was inflicted on the property. A police report has been filed, and authorities have been notified to address the attack.

In a related incident on April 27, 2024, another alarming threat emerged. A member of the Danialu community vigilante group delivered a distressing message to Bamidele at his shop complex in Ilorin. The message warned of a plot to kidnap his wife and children and cause damage to property. Acting swiftly, the vigilante group intervened, thwarting the kidnapping attempt. Despite the intervention, the family’s Rottweiler was injured and taken by the assailants.

In his words: “My wife and children were saved, but the family Rottweiler dog breed was injured and was taken away by the assailants. We were advised to report the incidents to the police which we did; we went to the police immediately to make a report.”

Both incidents underscore the increasing risks faced by Bamidele and his family. Authorities have been alerted, and investigations are underway to ensure the safety of the Focus Foundation’s leader and his loved ones.