The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners in connection with the abduction of a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the arrests were made during a coordinated security operation launched after the monarch was kidnapped by armed men at his residence in the Olayinka community.
According to the police, the operation was driven by actionable intelligence and involved surveillance measures as well as the deployment of tactical units to strategic locations within the area. The suspects were apprehended at different points during the operation as security agencies intensified efforts to track down those behind the abduction.
Adekimi explained that while the arrests mark a significant step in the investigation, authorities are still working to determine the specific roles played by each suspect and to identify the principal actors directly responsible for carrying out the kidnapping. He added that all those arrested remain in custody as investigations continue.
Security agencies have also ramped up efforts to rescue the abducted monarch, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing across nearby forests and communities. The police say they are committed to ensuring the victim’s safe return while also dismantling any criminal networks linked to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, described the development as troubling and underscored the need for strengthened security across the area. He noted that the local government is working closely with security agencies to support ongoing operations.
He further stated that security personnel, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have expanded surveillance and patrol activities in affected and neighbouring communities to prevent further incidents and improve response time.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and vigilant, while also cooperating with authorities by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts. The incident has heightened concerns about safety in the area, prompting renewed calls for sustained and proactive measures to address insecurity and protect lives and property.
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