Police Arrest 42 Suspected Illegal Miners After Kwara Monarch’s ∆bduction

Police Arrest 42 Suspected Illegal Miners After Kwara Monarch’s Abduction

Oba Aweda was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening when about ten heavily armed men stormed his palace shortly after miners had paid him a visit earlier in the day.

Security operatives have detained 42 suspected illegal miners in Kwara State as investigations deepen into the abduction of a traditional ruler in the Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the arrests following the kidnapping of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda in the Olayinka community, an incident that has heightened concerns over security in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed during a conversation with newsmen that the arrests were connected to ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s abduction.

Oba Aweda was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening when about ten heavily armed men stormed his palace shortly after miners had paid him a visit earlier in the day.

Providing details of the attack, Ojo said, “They broke down the door, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded for the money the miners gave him earlier,” he said.

He explained that although the monarch handed over the money, the assailants still abducted him alongside his brother.

Highlighting the police response, Ojo noted, “Immediately we got wind of the development, we swung into action using drones and other logistics, and we eventually arrested 42 illegal miners in the community,” he said.

However, the police chief clarified that it remains unclear whether those arrested were directly linked to the crime, stating, “I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.

All suspects are currently being held at the State Police Headquarters in Ilorin as inquiries continue.

Ojo further revealed the fate of the monarch’s brother, saying, “He told them to kill him if they wished because he was too tired to go on,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the abductors later tied the brother to a tree and proceeded into the forest with the monarch.

Meanwhile, community sources alleged that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦400 million for the monarch’s release.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident, and we are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.

He added that intensified search operations were ongoing, noting, “The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he added.

Yusuf also urged residents to cooperate with authorities, stating, “Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace,” the council boss said.