The Kwara State Police Commissioner, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the arrest of 42 illegal miners following the abduction of Oba Salman Aweda of Olayinka community in Ifelodun local government. The monarch was seized on Saturday evening by 10 armed men who stormed his palace, demanding money he had received earlier that day as royalty from the miners. After handing over the money, Oba Aweda was taken alongside his brother, who was later abandoned and tied to a tree when he refused to continue the journey due to exhaustion. The brother was rescued from the bush, while the monarch's whereabouts remain unknown.
Police launched operations using drones and other logistics, leading to the apprehension of the 42 suspects, all currently detained at the police headquarters in Ilorin. Commissioner Ojo stated that it is unclear whether the kidnappers are among those arrested, as investigations continue. The suspects are linked to illegal mining activities in the area, which preceded the attack. Ojo disclosed that the brother, who was left behind, complained of fatigue and told the abductors to kill him rather than continue walking.
Adekimi Ojo claims 42 miners were arrested in connection to an abduction, yet cannot confirm if any are the actual kidnappers who stormed the palace. The monarch remains missing while his brother, abandoned barefoot in a bush, was the one rescued. If the suspects are only miners and not the armed men who carried out the attack, their arrest does not equal the monarch's safe return. The police have not explained how or when the Oba will be found.
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