By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
KIDNAPPERS in Kwara State are demanding a total of 450 million Nigerian naira (approximately £450,000) for the release of a traditional ruler, his son, and eight other abducted residents.
The Oniwo of Aafin in the Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), were seized from their palace by armed men on Wednesday night.
The assailants are reportedly demanding 150 million naira for their safe return.
In a separate but related incident in the same region, eight residents were abducted from the Adanla-Irese community on 26 December.
The kidnappers have demanded an additional 300 million naira for their release.
Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, confirmed the ransom demands and that negotiations were underway.
According to eyewitness accounts, around eight armed men stormed the monarch’s palace at approximately 8:00 pm, firing shots indiscriminately.
They forced their way into the building, breaking down doors, and demanded to see the Oba and his wife.
During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and later taken to hospital for treatment.
Local vigilantes were reportedly overwhelmed, with only two members on duty at the time.
The earlier abduction in Adanla community is said to have occurred around 7:00 pm, with attackers moving from house to house in the agrarian settlement.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest developments.
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