42 Illegal Miners Arrested Over Abduction Of Kwara Monarch

The abduction of Oba Salman Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through Kwara State, highlighting the escalating insecurity in the region. The swift action by the Kwara State Police Command, leading to the arrest of 42 illegal miners, demonstrates a commitment to tackling the menace head-on. However, the details of the abduction, involving armed individuals demanding ransom immediately after the monarch received money from miners, paint a grim picture of the criminal elements operating with impunity.

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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.

The involvement of illegal miners in such brazen acts raises serious questions about the porous nature of our mining sector and the need for stricter regulation and enforcement. While the police have made arrests, the confirmation of whether the abductors were among those apprehended remains pending. This underscores the complexity of such investigations, especially when dealing with organized criminal activities.

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I cannot confirm whether those who abducted the monarch were among the illegal miners we arrested.

The community's distress is palpable, with the demand for N400 million underscoring the financial strain placed upon them. The incident serves as a stark reminder that insecurity is not just a matter for law enforcement but a societal challenge that requires community cooperation. The efforts by the local government chairman, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, to collaborate with security agencies are commendable, but the recurring nature of such incidents suggests a need for a more comprehensive and proactive security strategy across Kwara South and beyond.

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All the suspects are currently at the police headquarters in Ilorin.