Kidnappers holding the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, his son Olaolu, and other abducted villagers in Kwara State have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million.
A palace source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this in a telephone interview on Friday.
Breakdown of Ransom Demand
According to the source, the abductors demanded ₦150 million for the release of the monarch and his son. Olaolu is currently serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In addition, the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for the release of eight other residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Negotiations Have Begun
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed that negotiations have started.
“Only two days ago, the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for the Adanla abductees,” he said. “Today, they demanded ₦150 million for the monarch and his son.”
Details of Palace Attack
Recall that Oba Olaonipekun was abducted on Wednesday night. Gunmen stormed his palace in Aafin community, Ile-Ire District, at about 8 p.m. Eyewitnesses said about eight armed men invaded the palace. They fired sporadically before forcing their way inside.
“They broke down the doors with their guns and demanded to see the monarch and his wife,” a family source said.
Monarch’s Wife Shot
During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. She was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
The attackers later abducted the monarch and his son. Meanwhile, the local vigilante group failed to repel the assault. Sources said only two vigilante members were on duty at the time. They could not match the attackers’ firepower.
Earlier Abduction in Adanla
In a related incident, suspected bandits invaded Adanla community on Boxing Day. They abducted eight residents during a late-evening raid. Residents said the attackers arrived around 7 p.m. They fired sporadically while moving from house to house.
Police Yet to Speak
As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the ransom demand.
