Security operatives in Kwara State have arrested 42 suspected illegal miners following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, in Ifelodun Local Government Area, as investigations into the incident intensify.
The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening when about ten armed men invaded his palace in the Olayinka community shortly after a group of miners had visited him earlier in the day.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the attackers broke into the palace, forced their way into one of the rooms, and demanded money they believed had been given to the monarch by the visiting miners.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed that the police swiftly launched an operation after receiving intelligence on the incident, deploying drones and other tactical resources which led to the arrest of 42 illegal miners in the area.
He, however, noted that it is still unclear whether those arrested were directly involved in the kidnapping, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement.
The police also revealed that the monarch was abducted alongside his brother during the attack. The brother was reportedly left tied to a tree after pleading with the kidnappers, while the abductors escaped with the traditional ruler into the forest.
There are also unverified reports that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦400 million for the release of the monarch.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, said authorities are working closely with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted ruler and restore calm to the community.
He added that security operations have been intensified in the area and called for cooperation from residents to support ongoing efforts to address insecurity.
