The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 42 suspected illegal miners following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the arrests on Monday, stating that the monarch was kidnapped on Saturday evening by about 10 armed men who stormed his palace in the Olayinka community.

According to the police chief, the attackers reportedly broke into the palace, located the monarch, and demanded money said to have been earlier given to him by miners operating in the area. He said the monarch handed over the money before he was taken away alongside his brother.

Ojo explained that security operatives launched a swift response using drones and other resources, leading to the arrest of the 42 suspects. However, he noted that it was not yet clear whether the abductors were among those arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing.

He further disclosed that while both the monarch and his brother were initially taken by the gunmen, the latter was abandoned after becoming exhausted during the journey. The abductors reportedly tied him to a tree and proceeded with the monarch.

Sources within the community said the kidnappers have since contacted residents, demanding a ransom of N400 million for the monarch’s release.

Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, also confirmed the incident and described it as disturbing. He said the local government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the monarch.

Yusuf added that joint operations involving security personnel, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been intensified across surrounding areas to track down the abductors.

He called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing relevant information that could aid ongoing efforts, assuring that all necessary steps were being taken to resolve the situation.

The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in Kwara South, with residents expressing fears about a possible resurgence of violent attacks in the area.