Gunmen abduct Kwara monarch, demand N400m ransom

Fear has gripped residents of Olayinka community following the abduction of their traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, by suspected terrorists in the early hours of Saturday.

According to reports, the attackers—said to be more than ten in number—stormed the monarch’s residence around midnight in a well-coordinated operation. Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants forcefully gained entry into the palace before whisking the king away alongside another individual present at the time.

The incident has thrown the quiet community into panic, as residents recount the terrifying moments when the gunmen struck without warning.

Sources close to the situation disclosed that the kidnappers have since contacted intermediaries, demanding a staggering ransom of N400 million for the monarch’s release.

It was gathered that both victims were initially led into the bush by the attackers. However, along the way, the second abductee reportedly told the gunmen he could no longer walk as he had no shoes, and dared them to kill him if they wished. At that point, the terrorists allegedly tied his hands and legs to a tree and continued with the monarch.The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, visited the community on Saturday morning on a sympathy visit. He assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the monarch’s release.

“We are deeply concerned about this incident, and we are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.

According to him, security personnel, alongside forest guards and local vigilantes, have intensified search operations across surrounding areas to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted monarch.

The abduction has heightened tension among residents, with many expressing concern that the incident signals a resurgence of insecurity in Kwara South.