Ransom paid, hope lost: Abducted Kwara monarch dies in captivity

Tragedy has struck the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the death of its traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, in the custody of his abductors despite the fulfillment of all ransom demands.

The monarch, who was kidnapped last month, reportedly died before efforts by his family, subjects, and community leaders could secure his release. His death has plunged the community and the entire local government area into mourning, particularly as he had recently been elevated to the status of a first-class traditional ruler, with his official installation celebration yet to take place.

According to community sources, the kidnappers demanded ₦21 million, two brand-new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release. Residents reportedly mobilized resources and met all the demands, hoping to secure the monarch’s freedom. However, the abductors failed to release him.

Information about the monarch’s death first emerged through a former kidnap victim who had recently regained freedom after paying a ransom to the same criminal syndicate operating in the Sagbe area. The source reportedly disclosed the information to prevent the bandits from making further financial demands on the already distressed family.

When reports of Oba Aweda’s death surfaced on Monday, June 15, 2026, government officials and security authorities initially treated the information as unconfirmed. The Kwara State Commissioner of Police described the report as a rumour, while the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, stated that he had not received any official briefing on the matter.

However, the uncertainty was later dispelled when the Ifelodun Traditional Council confirmed receiving reports from the Olayinka community regarding the monarch’s death.

Speaking on the development, the Secretary of the Ifelodun Traditional Council, Elder Chief Omisola Amos Olayinka, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“At first, we thought it was a rumour, but the community confirmed the sad news today. We paid a huge sum of money, including motorcycles and fuel as demanded by the kidnappers, yet the monarch still died in their custody. The entire community is in mourning,” he said.

Adding to the grief is the fact that the community has been unable to recover the monarch’s remains for a proper burial.

“How do you trace a corpse when you do not even know where the victim was taken? We still do not know the location of the kidnappers’ camp,” Chief Olayinka lamented.

Despite the absence of the monarch’s body, community leaders have announced plans to conduct symbolic Janazah prayers in accordance with Islamic tradition.

The death of Oba Aweda has once again highlighted the worsening security challenges facing rural communities in Kwara State. In recent months, farmers, travelers, community leaders, and traditional rulers across Ifelodun and neighboring local government areas have increasingly become targets of kidnapping syndicates.

Residents have renewed calls for intensified security operations, sustained military presence, and swift intervention by security agencies to curb the growing wave of abductions and restore confidence in the safety of their communities.