The abduction of Oba Salman Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has led to the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners by the state police command. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when about 10 armed men stormed the monarch’s palace, forcefully breaking down doors and dragging him from his room. According to Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo, the attackers demanded money that had been given to the monarch earlier in the day by a group of miners who had paid him homage. Despite handing over the money, the monarch and his brother were taken away by the gunmen.
Ojo confirmed that the police responded swiftly, deploying drones and other logistical resources to track and apprehend the suspects. The 42 arrested individuals are currently being held at the police headquarters in Ilorin. While the commissioner could not confirm whether the abductors were among those arrested, he emphasized that investigations are ongoing. The monarch’s brother managed to escape during the abduction after becoming exhausted and pleading with his captors to kill him if they wished, as he could no longer walk. Instead of killing him, the abductors tied him to a tree and fled with the monarch.
Residents of Olayinka have reported that the abductors contacted the community, demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for the monarch’s release. This demand has heightened tension in the area, raising fears of a resurgence in insecurity in Kwara South. The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the council is working closely with security agencies to secure the monarch’s safe return. He stated that forest guards and local vigilantes have intensified search operations across nearby forests in a bid to locate the monarch.
Yusuf urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information. He stressed that community involvement is crucial in addressing security challenges and restoring peace. The state government has also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property. The abduction has sparked widespread concern among residents, who are anxiously awaiting news of the monarch’s safe return. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with rescue operations ongoing. The incident underscores the growing security challenges in the region and highlights the need for sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and related crimes.
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