From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, have rescued the brother of the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, of Kwara State, Oba Salman Ayanda, after he was abducted during a midnight attack.
The Police also arrested 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the incident.
The monarch, his brother, and another resident were reportedly kidnapped around 1 a.m. on Saturday when suspected armed attackers stormed the community. The police later confirmed that the monarch’s brother was found tied to a tree in a nearby bush after the kidnappers fled.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, said the command acted swiftly after receiving intelligence on the abduction, deploying drones and other operational assets to track the suspects and secure the release of the victim.
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“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,” Ojo said.
He explained that the attackers had earlier invaded the monarch’s palace shortly after he reportedly received some payment described as “royalty” from miners operating in the area.
According to him, the armed men broke into the palace, forced their way into one of the rooms, and demanded the money.
“The monarch immediately gave them the money, and he was thereafter taken away alongside his brother, who was with him,” the police commissioner added.
Ojo noted that it is yet to be confirmed whether those arrested among the illegal miners were directly involved in the abduction, stressing that investigations are ongoing and all suspects are currently being held at the state police headquarters in Ilorin.
Security operatives say efforts are ongoing to rescue the traditional ruler and the remaining abducted victim, while also uncovering possible links between illegal mining activities and the attack.
