42 Arrested As Police Probe Kwara Monarch Abduction

According to Ireporter Online, the Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a traditional ruler, Oba Salman Aweda, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, who briefed journalists in Ilorin on Monday, disclosed that the monarch of Olayinka community was abducted on Saturday evening by about 10 armed men who invaded his palace shortly after miners visited and paid him homage.

He explained that the assailants forcefully broke into the palace, gained access to the monarch’s room, and dragged him out while demanding the return of money earlier given to him 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 stated.

He further revealed that although the monarch immediately handed over the money, he was still taken away alongside his brother. According to him, security operatives swiftly launched an operation upon receiving the report, deploying drones and other resources, which led to the arrest of 42 illegal miners in the community.

The police commissioner noted that investigations were ongoing to determine whether the arrested suspects were directly involved in the abduction.

“All the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in Ilorin,” he added.

Ojo also disclosed that the monarch’s brother later escaped after reportedly being abandoned by the kidnappers when he could no longer continue the journey. He said the victim was eventually tied to a tree before the abductors fled with the monarch.

Meanwhile, residents of the community have revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for the monarch’s release, further heightening tension in the area.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as unfortunate and assured that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the monarch’s safe return. He added that forest guards and local vigilantes had intensified search operations across surrounding forests.

Yusuf urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing security efforts with credible information, stressing that the government was committed to restoring peace and ensuring the safe rescue of the traditional ruler.

The abduction has continued to generate concern among residents, with fears of worsening insecurity in Kwara South as efforts intensify to secure the monarch’s release.