Kidnappers holding a traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, his son, and other abducted residents have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for their release, heightening concerns over the worsening security situation in the state.
Sources confirmed on Friday that the abductors are demanding ₦150m for the release of the monarch and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, while an additional ₦ 300m has been demanded for the release of eight residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the development, noting that ransom negotiations had begun for both sets of abductees.
“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,” he said.
The monarch was abducted on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, when gunmen reportedly stormed the royal palace in Aafin community, Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA, at about 8 pm.