Police arrest 42 illegal miners over abduction of Kwara monarch
Police Confirm Arrests Following Abduction of Kwara Monarch
Adekimi Ojo, Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, confirmed the arrest of 42 individuals involved in illegal mining activities after the abduction of Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, the traditional ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a group of ten armed assailants reportedly stormed the monarch’s palace shortly after he accepted payment from miners earlier in the day. Ojo stated that the assailants forcibly entered the palace, retrieved the monarch from his quarters, and demanded the money received from the miners.
“The monarch gave the assailants the money, after which he was taken along with his brother, who was with him at the time,” Ojo explained. Upon learning of the situation, law enforcement mobilized resources, including drones, to initiate a response, leading to the arrests of the illegal miners.
The commissioner declined to confirm whether any of those arrested were implicated in the abduction, stating that investigations are ongoing. All suspects are currently in custody at the police headquarters in Ilorin.
During the abduction, the monarch’s brother, reportedly barefoot, expressed exhaustion and requested that the assailants either kill him or abandon the kidnapping. Instead of executing him, the bandits tied him to a tree and proceeded with the abduction.
Reports indicate that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of 400 million Naira for the monarch’s release.
Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, Chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Area, reiterated the occurrence of the kidnapping and expressed growing concerns over security in the Kwara South Senatorial District. Speaking to residents during a community meeting on Saturday, he described the situation as unfortunate and confirmed that local authorities are collaborating with security services to ensure the safe return of the monarch.
