Police in western Nigeria have arrested 42 suspected illegal miners as part of an investigation into the abduction of a local monarch. Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun, Kwara state, was kidnapped on Saturday evening when armed men stormed his palace.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of $300,000 (£221,000) to free the traditional ruler, though the authorities have not confirmed this. Police are conducting search operations in the surrounding area as fears grow about security in Kwara state, which has seen a recent rise in attacks on rural communities.
For years, members of criminal gangs - known locally as bandits - have carried out killings and kidnappings for ransom, mainly targeting those in the north-west. However, they have been moving to other parts of the country more recently, prompting the rise of vigilante groups to protect local communities.
The jihadist group Mahmuda has also been active in rural parts of Kwara, launching a brazen attack in February that resulted in the death of at least 75 individuals.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo revealed that about 10 heavily armed men forced their way into the palace shortly after miners operating in the area had visited the monarch. The miners had handed over some cash to the local king earlier that day. During the invasion, the kidnappers broke down the door, fetched the monarch from his room, and demanded for the money the miners had given him. After receiving part of it, they took him away but left his brother tied to a tree.
Residents indicate that the abductors made contact later and demanded a ransom. Local officials are collaborating with security agencies and vigilante groups to ensure the monarch's safe release.
