The Kwara State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Oba Salman Aweda, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Monday in Ilorin.
Ojo said the monarch of Olayinka community was kidnapped on Saturday evening by about 10 armed men who stormed his palace shortly after miners had earlier paid him homage.
According to him, the attackers forcefully gained entry into the palace, broke down doors and dragged the monarch out of his room.
He said the gunmen demanded the money earlier given to the monarch by the miners.
“They broke into the palace, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded the money the miners gave him earlier in the day,” Ojo said.
The police boss added that the monarch immediately handed over the money but was still taken away alongside his brother.
The commissioner said the police swung into action immediately after receiving information about the incident.
“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,” he said.
Ojo further revealed that the monarch’s brother, who was abducted alongside him, managed to escape after he became exhausted during the journey.
According to him, the victim, who was barefoot, reportedly told the abductors to kill him as he could no longer continue.
“He told the terrorists to kill him if they wished, complaining that he was tired,” the CP said.
Instead of killing him, the kidnappers reportedly tied him to a tree and fled with the monarch.
Abductors Demand ₦400m Ransom
According to The PUNCH, residents of the community revealed that the abductors had contacted the community, demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for the monarch’s release.
The demand has heightened tension across the area.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, also confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate.
He said the council was working closely with security agencies 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 personnel, including forest guards and local vigilantes, had intensified search operations across nearby forests.
According to him, the joint effort is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch.
The council boss urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace,” he said.
He assured residents that every necessary step was being taken to ensure the monarch’s safe return, stressing that the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property.
The abduction has sparked fresh fears among residents, with many expressing concern over a possible resurgence of insecurity in Kwara South.
The incident adds to growing anxiety in the region, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the monarch and restore calm.