Forty-two illegal miners were arrested by Kwara State Police following the abduction of Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun local government area. The traditional ruler was taken from his palace on Saturday morning by ten armed men who broke into the building and demanded money he had received from the miners just days earlier. According to Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, the monarch handed over the money but was abducted along with his brother. The brother was later found tied to a tree after being unable to continue the journey with the attackers. Drones and other police resources were deployed in the operation that led to the arrest of the 42 suspects, all now held at the police headquarters in Ilorin. Ojo stated it was unclear whether the abductors were among those arrested, as investigations continue. Reports from the community indicate the kidnappers have demanded ₦400 million for the monarch's release. Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, confirmed collaboration with security agencies and forest guards in search efforts. He urged residents to provide information, stressing community cooperation in tackling the security situation.
The same illegal miners who paid Oba Aweda days before his abduction are now in police custody, yet the police cannot confirm if any of them are linked to the attack. The monarch was seized over money he received from them, raising questions about why those payments were made and who exactly orchestrated the violence. If the arrested miners are not the abductors, then the real perpetrators remain free despite the police operation. The Oba's brother was abandoned in the forest, underscoring the brutality of a crime that began with a transaction authorities appear to know little about.
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