By Muhammad Mamman
A traditional ruler in Nigeria’s Kwara State has been released after spending more than a month in captivity, following the payment of a ₦32m ($21,000) ransom by his family, local sources have confirmed.
The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, regained his freedom late on Wednesday, weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was abducted alongside him, was released after earlier negotiations with the kidnappers.
The monarch was seized by gunmen in early January while travelling along a rural road in Kwara State, in yet another incident highlighting Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in the country’s north-central region where abductions for ransom have become increasingly common.
Family members confirmed that the ransom was paid to secure the ruler’s release, although security agencies did not immediately comment on the development or provide details of any arrests.
Residents of Afin community expressed relief at the monarch’s return, while calling on authorities to step up efforts to protect rural communities from criminal gangs operating with apparent impunity.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings in recent years, targeting schoolchildren, travellers, community leaders and traditional rulers, despite repeated assurances by the government that it is intensifying operations against armed groups.
Security analysts say poor road surveillance, vast ungoverned spaces and limited police presence continue to embolden kidnappers, leaving many families with little choice but to negotiate for their loved ones’ freedom.
The Kwara State government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
