Traditional Ruler Reportedly Dies in Captivity After Kidnappers Allegedly Collect ₦21 Million Ransom in Kwara

Traditional Ruler Reportedly Dies in Captivity After Kidnappers Allegedly Collect ₦21 Million Ransom in Kwara.

The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has reportedly died in captivity weeks after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

According to a report by Afrika Eyes, the abductors allegedly demanded ₦21 million in cash, two brand-new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for the monarch's release.

The report stated that members of the community negotiated with the kidnappers and eventually provided the requested items in a desperate effort to secure the monarch's freedom.

However, despite meeting the reported demands, the monarch was allegedly not released.

The development was announced through a voice message by a member of a community committee said to have been involved in efforts to secure the monarch's release.

In the message obtained by Afrika Eyes, the committee member informed residents that all efforts by the monarch's family, community leaders, committees, and Islamic clerics to bring him home safely had ended in tragedy.

He urged members of the Olayinka community to accept the monarch's death as the will of God, noting that extensive prayers and negotiations had been carried out since his abduction.

The committee member also disclosed that although the monarch's body had not been recovered, Islamic funeral prayers would still be conducted in accordance with Islamic tradition.

According to the report, the traditional ruler was kidnapped about a month ago, prompting sustained negotiations between community representatives and the abductors.

Afrika Eyes further reported that information about the monarch's alleged death emerged from a victim who was recently released by the same group of kidnappers in Sagbe, Kwara State.

The source reportedly claimed that the monarch died while in captivity despite the ransom package having been delivered.

The reported death has thrown the Olayinka community into mourning, with residents expressing concern over the growing wave of kidnappings and insecurity affecting rural communities and traditional institutions across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement confirming the monarch's death or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Source: Afrika Eyes.