Bandits have abducted Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday when armed men, said to be about 10 in number, stormed the monarch’s palace around midnight and whisked him away alongside another person.
Residents said the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for his release.
According to sources, the bandits tied the second victim to a tree in the bush after he complained of exhaustion and dared them to kill him.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, visited the community on Saturday morning and assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the monarch’s release.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident, and we are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.
Yusuf added that security operatives, supported by forest guards and local vigilantes, have intensified search operations across surrounding areas to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted traditional ruler.