The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, has confirmed the arrest of 42 illegal miners following the abduction of traditional ruler Salman Olátúnjí Aweda in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to the police, the monarch was abducted on Saturday evening by armed men shortly after receiving royalty payments from miners earlier in the day.
“The terrorists broke down the door of his palace, fetched him from one of the rooms and demanded for money the miners gave him earlier in the day.
“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 still continue on the development.
“All the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in ilorin” the police commissioner disclosed.
The police said the monarch’s brother was later abandoned by the attackers after he reportedly refused to continue the journey.
Meanwhile, the abductors are said to have demanded ₦400 million ransom, as local authorities intensify efforts to secure the monarch’s release.