Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the traditional ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been declared dead after his abductors allegedly demanded ₦21 million in cash, two brand-new motorcycles, and a keg of petrol in exchange for his release.
According to sources, Aweda’s death was confirmed in an emotional voice message from a member of a committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom.
In the message, the committee member disclosed the sad development to members of the Olayinka community, further describing the monarch’s death as an act of God’s will despite extensive efforts by residents, family members, community leaders, and religious figures to secure his safe return.
He said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.
“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”
He also said that the development confirms all the reports and rumours circulating about the Kwara monarch’s fate, adding that every effort made to rescue him ultimately failed.
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Meanwhile, this comes shortly after former Director of Defence Information, Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar died in the hands of his abductors after weeks in captivity.
Recall that bandits earlier kidnapped the ex-defence spokesperson and his wife in Katsina.
In more recent development, General Rabe Abubakar(Rtd) was laid to rest in Katsina on Saturday after funeral prayers attended by family members, military officers, government officials and residents.
A crisis reporter, Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post shared via his X handle
