Gunmen who abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara State have demanded a staggering N450 million in ransom for the release of the monarch, his son, and eight other villagers. The separate kidnappings have sent shockwaves through the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Double Ransom Demand for Monarch and NYSC Son
According to a palace source who spoke on Friday, the kidnappers of Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, the Oniwo of Aafin, and his son, Olaolu Olaonipekun, are demanding N150 million for their freedom. Olaolu is currently serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The monarch was seized from his palace in the Aafin community on Wednesday night, around 8pm. Eyewitnesses reported that about eight armed men stormed the residence, firing gunshots sporadically. They broke down doors and demanded to see the traditional ruler and his wife.
During the violent invasion, the Oba's wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm. She was later taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Local vigilantes were reportedly overwhelmed during the attack, with only two members on duty at the time, unable to confront the heavily armed assailants.
Separate N300m Demand for Boxing Day Abductees
In a related incident, the kidnappers have placed an additional N300 million ransom on the release of eight residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja. This group was taken during a late evening raid on Boxing Day.
Residents recounted that the attackers invaded the agrarian community around 7:00 pm, moving from house to house while shooting into the air to force compliance.
Negotiations Underway Amid Police Silence
Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, confirmed that negotiations have begun for the release of all the abductees. He detailed the escalating demands, stating, "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."
As of the time of reporting, the Kwara State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the kidnappings or the massive ransom demands. The silence from authorities has heightened anxiety in the affected communities.
