TDThe traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, has reportedly died in captivity despite the payment of a substantial ransom to his abductors.
According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the monarch was abducted about a month ago by suspected kidnappers.
The kidnappers later entered into negotiations with representatives of the community for his release.
A resident of Kwara State who was recently freed from captivity by bandits reportedly disclosed that the monarch died while being held by his abductors.
The source said the tragic development became known after ransom negotiations had already been concluded.
Reports indicate that community members raised and delivered a ransom package valued at N21 million in cash.
In addition to the cash payment, the kidnappers were allegedly given two new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol as part of the conditions for securing the monarch’s freedom.
However, despite meeting the demands of the abductors, the monarch was not returned alive to his community.
“The traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area was killed by his abductors despite the ransom payment made by the community,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source further revealed that information from another victim recently released by kidnappers in Sagbe, Kwara State, suggested that Oba Aweda had already died while in captivity before details of his fate became widely known.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the growing insecurity and wave of kidnappings across parts of Kwara State and other regions of Nigeria.
Community leaders and residents have continued to express frustration over the increasing number of abductions targeting prominent individuals, traditional rulers, and ordinary citizens.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death.
However, the development has cast a pall of grief over Olayinka community, where residents had hoped that the ransom payment would secure the safe return of their traditional ruler.
The reported killing of Oba Salman Aweda underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities.
It highlights the risks victims face even after ransom demands are met.
Investigations into the incident are expected to continue.
In the meantime, authorities are working to track down those responsible for the abduction and alleged murder of the monarch.
