N400m Ransom Demand: Police Arrest 42 Miners Over Kwara Monarch’s Kidnap

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 42 illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Oba Salman Aweda, the monarch of Olayinka community, was kidnapped on Saturday evening by ten heavily armed terrorists who stormed his palace.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, disclosed that the assailants broke down the palace door, dragged the monarch from his room, and demanded the money that miners had given him earlier that day. The monarch handed over the money before he was taken away along with his brother.

Security operatives deployed drones and other logistical assets to the area, leading to the arrest of 42 illegal miners from the community. The police chief, however, stated that it remains unclear whether the actual kidnappers were among those arrested, as investigations are ongoing. All suspects are currently being held at the police headquarters in Ilorin.

During the abduction, the monarch’s brother, who was not wearing slippers, became exhausted and refused to continue the journey. He reportedly asked the terrorists to kill him if they wished, as he could no longer move forward. Instead of harming him, the assailants tied him to a tree and left with the monarch.

Members of the community have revealed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N400 million for the monarch’s release.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the local government is collaborating with security agencies to secure the monarch’s safe return. He added that forest guards and local vigilantes have intensified search efforts across surrounding areas.

Yusuf called on residents to remain calm and provide useful information to assist ongoing operations, assuring them that authorities are fully committed to restoring peace and ensuring the monarch’s safe rescue.