The Kwara State Police Command has detained 42 suspected illegal miners following the abduction of a traditional ruler in the state, in what authorities describe as part of an ongoing security crackdown.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the development on Monday, saying the arrests were made after the kidnapping of Oba Salman Aweda, the monarch of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to him, the monarch was abducted on Saturday evening by about 10 heavily armed men, shortly after receiving a sum of money earlier in the day from illegal miners operating within the community.
The attackers were said to have stormed the palace, forced their way into the building, and demanded the money earlier given to the monarch.
Although the traditional ruler reportedly handed over the cash, the assailants still whisked him away alongside his brother.
Ojo disclosed that security operatives immediately launched a coordinated response operation after receiving intelligence reports, deploying surveillance tools including drones, which led to the arrest of 42 illegal miners in the affected community.
He, however, noted that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the abductors were among those arrested.
“All the suspects are currently in custody at the police headquarters in Ilorin,” the Commissioner stated.
Related News
Gunmen Storm Kwara Palace, Abduct Newly Installed Monarch
Bandits Invade Kwara Community, Residents Flee Amid Renewed Insecurity
Bandits Kill Five Forest Guards in Fresh Kwara Attack
Kwara Massacre: Security Operatives Arrest Three Suspects Over Woro Attack
In a disturbing twist, it was gathered that the monarch’s brother who was also abducted became exhausted during the ordeal and refused to continue the journey. The kidnappers reportedly tied him to a tree and left him behind while continuing with the monarch.
Community sources also revealed that the abductors have contacted residents, demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for the release of the monarch.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate and deeply concerning.
He assured residents that the local government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the traditional ruler.
“We are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.
Security operatives, alongside local vigilantes and forest guards, have intensified search-and-rescue operations across surrounding forests and communities.
Yusuf also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to restoring peace and strengthening security across the area, especially in Kwara South, while authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the monarch’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.
About the Author
