A cloud of grief has settled over Olayinka community in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, after news broke that its traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, died in bandits’ captivity — even after his community paid a ₦21 million ransom, two brand-new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol to secure his release.

A resident freed from the kidnappers’ den revealed on June 12, 2026, that the traditional ruler who was kidnapped in may 2026 had already died in captivity before his release could be secured.

What happened

1. The abduction: Around 1:00–1:40 a.m. on a Saturday, about 10 heavily armed men stormed the palace in Olayinka. They broke down the door, demanded money that miners had given the monarch earlier that day, and took him away. Initial reports said his wife and one other person were also abducted, though police later stated only the monarch was taken.
2. The ransom: After roughly one month in captivity, kidnappers opened negotiations. The community mobilised and delivered ₦21 million cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol.
3. The outcome: A resident recently freed by the same gang disclosed that the monarch had already died in captivity. The revelation shattered hopes that the ransom would bring him home alive.

As of filing, Kwara security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the reported death.

Why this hit differently

Oba Aweda was reportedly one of the traditional rulers “recently graded” and officially installed by the Kwara State Government earlier this year. He was described by locals as widely respected for his leadership and commitment to local development.

This is not an isolated case. It’s the third abduction of a traditional ruler in Kwara South within a year. Across the region, at least 30 kings have fled their palaces amid attacks. In September 2025, the Baale of Ogbayo was killed in his palace; in February 2024, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti was killed, and his wife was abducted.

The wider crisis: 176+ still held

The Olayinka incident sits inside a larger nightmare. Reports say 174–176 children, women, and residents from Kwara are still held captive after being abducted since February 3 2926. Victims released videos pleading with Kwara and Oyo State Governments: “We have small children with us, and some women are pregnant. Please… this is the last chance they gave us”. Terrorists reportedly threatened mass execution if demands weren’t met.

On Democracy Day, June 12, while the nation celebrated, communities in Woro, Edu, Patigi, and Kaiama mourned. In Ilorin, Take-It-Back Movement protesters gave the government a 72-hour ultimatum to rescue abductees.

Security context: Bandits, miners, and Mahmuda

Police linked the Olayinka abduction to tensions around illegal mining. The attackers reportedly struck shortly after miners visited the palace and handed cash to the monarch. 42 suspected illegal miners were arrested in connection with the case.

Kwara has seen rising attacks from criminal “bandits” moving south from the northwest. The jihadist group Mahmuda has also been active, killing at least 75 people in February after a traditional ruler refused to let them preach nearby.

The political fallout

The death has reignited national debate on ransom payments and state failure. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ADC’s 2027 presidential candidate, issued a blistering statement after the death of Retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in bandit custody. He said:

“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn… That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

“His death marks yet another painful blow to our nation’s Security Architecture, and a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even our most experienced Military Leaders”

Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of making soldiers’ sacrifices appear futile and warned that “under the current administration, no Nigerian is safe”.

The Yoruba Union also condemned President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech as a “mockery” while schoolchildren, teachers, and traditional rulers remain in captivity. They noted over 40 schoolchildren/teachers abducted in Oyo and 174 children/women in Kwara remain unrescued for over two months.

What locals are saying

Residents describe the attack as “like a war scene”. “They came with guns and started shooting. People were running… Before we knew what was happening, Kabiyesi had been taken”. Many now question how kidnappers could kill a victim after collecting ₦21M+ in ransom. For Olayinka, hope turned to heartbreak. “The efforts and sacrifices made to secure his release ultimately failed,” a source said.

Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Hadji Abdulrasheed Yusuf, said joint search operations with security operatives, forest guards, and vigilantes were launched. The Olora of Ora, Oba Rilwan Yekini, warned: “Even Ora is no longer safe” and called for federal intervention.

The big picture

Ransom economy: Families are paying ₦20M–₦32M per victim, yet killings continue. Police routinely deny knowledge of payments and advise against them.

Targeting traditional institutions: Monarchs are now prime targets — for cash, influence, and to destabilise communities.

Humanitarian crisis: Pregnant women, children, and elderly victims are held for months. Captives report being forced to learn Arabic/Islamic knowledge.

For Olayinka, what began as a desperate fight to save their king ended in sorrow and unanswered questions. As one resident put it: the community is “struggling to come to terms with the tragedy” — a painful reminder of rural Nigeria’s security collapse.

What do you think needs to change? Drop your thoughts below. And if you’re in Kwara South, stay vigilant and share credible info with security agencies.

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