The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 42 illegal miners following the abduction of a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area, heightening concerns over security in the region.
The victim, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda of the Olayinka community, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening by a group of about ten heavily armed ers. According to the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, the assailants stormed the monarch’s palace shortly after he had received a visit from illegal miners earlier in the day.
The ers allegedly forced their way into the palace, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area, and demanded money believed to have been given to the monarch by the miners. After surrendering the funds, the traditional ruler was taken away alongside his brother.
Police authorities said they swiftly launched a coordinated operation using drones and other resources, leading to the arrest of dozens of suspected illegal miners within the community. However, the police commissioner noted that it remains unclear whether any of those arrested were directly involved in the abduction, as investigations are ongoing.
During the incident, the monarch’s brother, who was also abducted, reportedly became exhausted while being marched through the area. According to police accounts, he refused to continue and asked the kidnappers to him. Instead, he was tied to a tree and abandoned, while the monarch was taken further into captivity.
Unconfirmed reports from the community indicate that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N400 million for the monarch’s release, although authorities have not officially verified this claim.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that efforts are underway to secure the monarch’s safe return. He stated that security agencies, in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards, have intensified search operations across surrounding areas.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing useful information. The incident has sparked renewed fears of rising insecurity in Kwara South, with officials pledging to strengthen safety measures and restore peace in the affected communities.
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