The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has been confirmed dead while still being held by his abductors.
He was abducted by armed kidnappers who allegedly set a ransom demand at ₦21 million, alongside two motorcycles and a container of petrol, as part of conditions for his release.
Community representatives, alongside religious and local stakeholders, had been involved in efforts aimed at securing his freedom through negotiation before the recent development.
His death was disclosed in a voice recording attributed to a member of the local committee working on the issue.
In the message, the speaker 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. Our beloved father… has answered the call of his Creator”