The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, has confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The monarch, Salman Olátúnjí Aweda of the Olayinka community, was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening by a group of armed men. The incident occurred shortly after miners in the area had earlier paid royalty to him the same day.
Providing details of the incident, the police commissioner explained how the attackers carried out the operation and the response that followed.
“The terrorists broke down the door of his palace, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded for money the miners gave him earlier in the day.
“The monarch immediately gave them the money and he was thereafter taken away with his brother who was with him.
“Immediately we got wind of the development, we swung into action, using drones and other logistics and we eventually arrested 42 illegal miners in the community.
“I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested.
“But investigations still continue on the development.
“All the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in ilorin” the police commissioner disclosed.
He added that during the abduction, the monarch’s brother—who was taken along barefoot—reportedly became exhausted and refused to continue the journey. According to the police, the brother told the attackers to kill him if they wished, saying he could not go any further.
Instead of harming him, the abductors tied him to a tree and proceeded with the monarch, leaving him behind.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the kidnappers have contacted the community, demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for the monarch’s release.
Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, described the abduction as deeply troubling. Speaking during a meeting with residents, he assured the community that the local government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the monarch is rescued safely.
The incident has heightened concerns about security in the Kwara South Senatorial District, as authorities continue investigations and efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
