Adekimi Ojo, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, has confirmed the arrest of 42 illegal miners after the abduction of Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Kwara Police chief said the monarch was abducted by 10 fully armed terrorists on Saturday evening following the payment of royalty earlier to him in the day by miners.
“The terrorists broke down the door of his palace, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded for money the miners gave him earlier in the day.
“The monarch immediately gave them the money and he was thereafter taken away with his brother who was with him.
“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.
“I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested.
“But investigations still continue on the development.
“All the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in ilorin” the police commissioner disclosed.
The CP, however, added that while the monarch was being ferried away, his brother who was abducted barefoot without any sandals, told the bandits he was worn out and refused to go ahead with the journey.
The monarch’s brother reportedly told the terrorists to kill him if they wish, complaining that he was tired.
The police commissioner revealed that instead of killing him, the bandits tied him to a tree and went away with the monarch.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the terrorists reached out to the community on Saturday, demanding N400 million before the monarch can regain his freedom.
Similarly, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in Kwara South Senatorial District.
Yusuf spoke on Saturday during a meeting with residents in the wake of the incident, which has unsettled the area.
Describing the development as unfortunate, the chairman said the local government was already working with security agencies to secure the safe release of the monarch.
Police arrest 42 illegal miners over abduction of Kwara monarch
