Kwara monarch dies in bandits’ captivity as ransom talks fail

The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has died in captivity after efforts to secure his release from kidnappers proved unsuccessful.

Reports indicated that the abductors had demanded a ransom of ₦21 million, two brand-new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol in exchange for the monarch’s freedom.

The monarch’s death was announced in an emotional voice message by a member of a community committee involved in efforts to secure his release.

In the message, the committee member said family members, community leaders, clerics and other stakeholders had made several attempts to rescue the monarch but were unable to bring him home alive.

He urged residents of Olayinka community to accept the development as the will of God, noting that every soul would eventually return to its Creator.

The committee member said investigations and prayers had continued since last week in the hope that the monarch would regain his freedom, but all efforts ended in tragedy.

He also called on both Muslim and Christian residents of the community to accept the loss with faith and remain united during the difficult period.

According to him, arrangements had been concluded for Islamic funeral prayers for the late monarch, even though his remains had not been recovered.

He explained that Islamic funeral rites could still be observed in the absence of the deceased’s body and urged members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos to gather for prayers in honour of the late traditional ruler.

The death of Oba Aweda has thrown the Olayinka community into mourning and renewed concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity across parts of the country.