_Update as of June 18, 2026 _
1. Confirmed: Monarch Died in Captivity*
The traditional ruler of *Olayinka community, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State – Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, also called Alhaji Olatunji* has been confirmed dead
*What happened:*
1. *Kidnapped*: April 17, 2026, 1:40am. Armed men stormed palace, abducted him + carted away money
2. *Ransom Paid*: Community paid ₦18 million out of ₦21m demanded. Also provided 2 brand new motorcycles + 100 litres petrol as requested
3. *Death Suspected*: When community asked to speak with monarch, kidnappers demanded more money. That’s when they suspected he had died in their den
4. *Announcement*: Death confirmed in voice message by community committee member: “Our beloved father… has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him”
5. *Janazah*: Islamic funeral prayers to be conducted despite body not recovered
### *2. Police Action*
Kwara State Police Command arrested *42 suspected illegal miners* linked to the abduction. Commissioner Adekimi Ojo said suspects broke palace door demanding money miners gave monarch earlier. Investigations ongoing to identify actual perpetrators
### *3. Wider Kwara Crisis*
This isn’t isolated. Security situation in Kwara South is severe:
1. *30 Monarchs Fled*: No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across southern Kwara fled palaces due to kidnappings, killings, attacks. Some away months, others nearly 1 year
2. *Other Cases*: Oniwo of Afin Oba Simeon Olanipekun was abducted Dec 31, 2025 with son. Released after ₦32m total ransom. Yashikira Emir’s 3 wives + 4 children also abducted 23 days ago
### *4. Community Response*
Ifelodun LGA Chairman Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf called it “unfortunate” + said local govt working with security agencies. Security personnel + vigilantes intensified search operations. Chairman urged residents to stay calm + provide info
### *Dua for Oba Aweda + Olayinka Community*
*“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Allahumma ajirni fi musibati wakhluf li khayran minha”*
“To Allah we belong and to Him we return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better”
Surah Taubah 9:40 we discussed: “Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us”. That was Abu Bakr’s Hijrah dua. Let it be comfort for Olayinka people today.
*Note*: Body hasn’t been recovered yet. Reports say extensive rescue efforts by family, clerics, stakeholders failed
May Allah accept Oba Aweda as shaheed, grant his family sabr, and secure Kwara.
Want me to track if police release names of arrested suspects or if body is recovered?