Police Rescue Abducted Kwara Monarch’s Brother, Nab 42 Suspected Illegal Miners

Men of the Kwara State Police Command have rescued the brother of the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun local government area, Oba Salman Ayanda, who was abducted on Saturday.

He was abducted alongside the monarch and one other person by suspected bandits who attacked the community at about 1 am.

The police officers have also arrested 42 suspected illegal miners following the abduction of Oba Ayanda.

The state commissioner of police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the rescue of the monarch’s heir and the arrest of the  42 suspected illegal miners.

He said the monarch’s brother who was rescued in a bush, was tied to a tree by the fleeing kidnappers.

Ojo said that the monarch was abducted by 10 fully armed terrorists on Saturday after he was paid some ‘royalty’ earlier in the day by the miners.

He said that the terrorists broke the door of his palace, traced him to one of the rooms and demanded the money the miners gave him a few hours earlier.

Adekimi added that the monarch immediately gave them the money, and he was thereafter taken away with his brother, who was with him.

“Immediately, we got wind of the development, we swung into action, using drones and other logistics, and we eventually arrested 42 illegal miners in the community.

“I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested. But investigations continue on the development, and all the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in Ilorin,” he said.