Kidnappers Demand ₦450m For Release Of Abducted Kwara Monarch, Son, Others

Kidnappers who abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, along with his son and several other people, have reportedly asked for a total of ₦450 million to release them.

According to Channels TV, sources said the kidnappers are demanding ₦150 million for the monarch and his son, Olaolu, who is currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

They are also asking for another ₦300 million for eight residents taken from Adanla-Irese, a community near Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the ransom demands and said discussions with the kidnappers have started.

“Only two days ago, the kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of the Adanla abductees. Today, they demanded N150 million for the monarch and his son,” he said.

The traditional ruler was kidnapped on Wednesday night when armed men entered the palace in Aafin, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA, around 8 p.m.

Witnesses said about eight attackers stormed the palace, shooting into the air and forcing their way inside.

“They broke down the doors with their guns and demanded to see the monarch and his wife,” a family source said.

During the incident, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, sustained an arm injury and was later taken to a hospital.

The kidnappers then took the monarch and his son away, while the local vigilante team on duty at the time were said to be outnumbered and unable to stop the attackers.

KanyiDaily had also reported how two newly elected vice chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Saidu, and two councillors were abducted by suspected terrorists in Borno State.