Kwara monarch’s killers demand N40m ransom for release of abducted wife

The family of Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the late Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti in Kwara State, is in anguish as unknown gunmen have demanded a ransom of N40m for the release of his wife and a relative. The gunmen had killed the monarch at his palace on Thursday and abducted his wife and two other family members. One of the abductees was later freed due to old age.

The initial ransom demand was N100m, but the kidnappers reduced it after negotiations with the family, according to Daily Post. The family is still in talks with the kidnappers, hoping for a positive outcome.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified their efforts to track down the culprits and rescue the victims. A suspect was arrested in Eruku town on Sunday, according to Chief Kehinde Bayode, the chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) in Ekiti Local Government Council. The state police commissioner, Victor Olaiya, has also deployed a tactical team to Koro-Ekiti, working with other security agencies.

The incident has sparked outrage and sadness in the community, as the late monarch was a respected and beloved leader. The family and the people of Koro-Ekiti are praying for the safe return of the abducted wife and relative of the monarch.