KIDNAPPED KWARA MONARCH FOUND DEAD AFTER COMMUNITY PAID ₦21M RANSOM, TWO MOTORCYCLES AND PETROL TO ABDUCTORS

KIDNAPPED KWARA MONARCH FOUND DEAD AFTER COMMUNITY PAID ₦21M RANSOM, TWO MOTORCYCLES AND PETROL TO ABDUCTORS

June 15, 2026

Grief, anger and disbelief have engulfed Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the confirmation that their traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, was killed by his abductors despite the payment of a huge ransom and several desperate efforts to secure his freedom.

The tragic development has sent shockwaves across Kwara State and beyond, raising fresh concerns over Nigeria's worsening insecurity and the growing trend of kidnappers killing victims even after receiving ransom payments.

Oba Salman Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community, was reportedly abducted about a month ago by suspected kidnappers who later opened negotiations with representatives of the community.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the kidnappers demanded an enormous package for his release, including ₦21 million in cash, two brand-new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol.

Despite meeting the demands, the community's hopes were shattered when it was revealed that the monarch had died while in captivity.

His death was officially confirmed in an emotional voice message circulated among members of the Olayinka community and obtained by SaharaReporters.

In the message, a member of the rescue committee announced the heartbreaking news, describing the monarch's death as an act of divine will despite the tireless efforts made by family members, community leaders, residents and religious clerics.

Quoting Islamic teachings, the committee member said:

"Allah, in His mercy, said in the Holy Qur'an that we all belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether at a time we expect or when we do not expect it."

He continued:

"This is to inform all sons and daughters of Olayinka community, both young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him."

The committee member said numerous efforts had been made over the past weeks to ensure the monarch returned home safely, but every attempt ultimately proved unsuccessful.

"All the rumours people have been hearing from different quarters have now been confirmed. Family members, committees, residents and Islamic clerics worked tirelessly and prayed for his safe return, but God's will has prevailed," he said.

He appealed to residents of the community, regardless of religious affiliation, to accept the painful reality.

"All indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God. Since last week, several investigations and rescue efforts were carried out while prayers continued for his safe return. But man proposes and God disposes."

The speaker further disclosed that members of the Muslim community had concluded arrangements to hold Islamic funeral prayers (Janazah) for the late monarch even though his body had not yet been recovered.

"As required by Islamic rites, members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos are requested to gather by 8 a.m. to perform prayers and Janazah for him. Although his body has not been found, Islam permits funeral prayers to be conducted in absentia," he said.

A resident of Kwara State who was recently released by kidnappers also confirmed the monarch's death, stating that Oba Aweda had already died while being held captive.

The source further revealed that the community had fulfilled all the demands imposed by the abductors before learning of the tragic outcome.

"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 said.

The revelation has left residents devastated, particularly because many had remained optimistic that the monarch would regain his freedom after the ransom was delivered.

The incident has once again exposed the alarming insecurity confronting many communities across Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly rampant and victims are no longer guaranteed safety even after payments are made.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that the growing profitability of kidnapping has emboldened criminal groups, allowing them to operate with increasing audacity in several parts of the country.

As mourners continue to gather in honour of the late monarch, many Nigerians are demanding stronger security measures and urgent government intervention to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.

The death of Oba Salman Aweda marks another painful chapter in Nigeria's ongoing battle against kidnapping and violent crime, leaving an entire community mourning a leader they fought desperately, but unsuccessfully, to bring home alive