The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid an additional N12m ransom to secure his release.

The monarch was freed on Wednesday night after spending about one month in captivity, two weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was kidnapped alongside him, was released following the payment of an initial N20m ransom.

A family source, who spoke with PUNCH Online on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development, saying prolonged negotiations led to the traditional ruler’s release.

“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before.

“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us,” the source said.

The source added that the monarch was receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering physical and psychological trauma during his captivity.

“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release,” the source added.

However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the monarch but denied knowledge of any ransom payment.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, told PUNCH Online on Thursday that the monarch had been reunited with his family following intensified joint security operations in the area.

“You are aware that their ongoing joint security operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing, we are not aware of any ransom payment.

“The CP Adekimi Ojo has always frowned at ransom payment and always advised the victim’s family to always provide security agencies with credible information,” she added.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the monarch, popularly known as the Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on New Year’s Eve during a violent attack on his palace.

It was gathered that about eight gunmen stormed the palace around 8pm, firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before abducting the ruler and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps.

Two weeks after the abduction, Olaolu was released following the payment of N20m ransom after prolonged negotiations between the family and the kidnappers.

Residents of Afin community had expressed fear and outrage over the attack, calling on security agencies and the state government to step up efforts to curb the growing wave of kidnappings and banditry in rural parts of Kwara State.

The Incident was one of several high-profile abductions in the state in recent months, raising concerns about worsening insecurity, particularly in the southern axis of Kwara. (The PUNCH)

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