The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, has stated that 42 illegal miners have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Kwara monarch Oba Salman Aweda of the Olayinka community in the state’s Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In an interview with reporters on Monday morning, Ojo stated that the monarch was kidnapped by ten fully armed terrorists on Saturday evening, after the miners had paid him royalty earlier in the day.
He claimed that the terrorists knocked down his palace’s door, dragged him from one of the chambers, and demanded the money that the miners had given him earlier that day.
He went on to say that the king promptly gave them the money and then took him and his brother away.
“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 said.
He, however, said that while the monarch was being taken away, his brother, who was also abducted alongside him but didn’t put on any slippers, was worn out and refused to go ahead with the journey again.
He reportedly told the terrorists to kill him if they wished, complaining that he was tired of going ahead with the journey.
The police commissioner said instead of killing him, they tied him to a tree and went away with the monarch.
Chronicle NG gathered from the community that the terrorists have reached out to the community on Saturday, demanding N400 million before the monarch can regain his freedom.
Similarly, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, verified the traditional ruler’s kidnapping, sparking new fears about security in Kwara South.
Yusuf reportedly disclosed this on Saturday, when he visited with villagers in the aftermath of the tragedy, which has upset the neighborhood.
