April 20, 2026/News/SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL NEWS REPORT
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the ongoing investigation into the abduction of a traditional ruler in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the development while briefing journalists, noting that the arrests were part of intensified efforts to uncover those behind the kidnapping of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda of Olayinka community.
According to police findings, the monarch was abducted on Saturday evening when about ten armed men invaded his palace. The attackers reportedly struck shortly after some miners had visited the monarch earlier in the day.
CP Ojo explained that the assailants broke into the palace, forced their way into the monarch’s room, and demanded money allegedly given to him by the miners earlier. Although the traditional ruler reportedly handed over the money, he was still abducted alongside his brother.
“In response, we immediately deployed operatives, including surveillance drones and other resources, which led to the arrest of 42 illegal miners in the area,” the police commissioner said.
However, he clarified that investigations were still ongoing to determine whether the arrested miners were directly involved in the kidnapping.
“I cannot confirm at this stage if those who abducted the monarch are among the arrested suspects. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.
Community sources revealed that the kidnappers have allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦400 million for the release of the monarch.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the monarch’s release and restore calm in the affected community.
