Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack

Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack

Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident following a late-night attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch, Oba Salman Aweda, who was recently elevated by the Kwara State Government, was among those kidnapped when armed attackers stormed his palace around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away the monarch, his wife, and one other victim to an unknown destination.

A resident who spoke on the incident said the attackers operated freely despite the late hour, leaving the community in fear.

“It happened around 1 a.m. in Olayinka. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of those recently graded,” the source said.

Another resident described the raid as swift and terrifying, noting that no resistance could be mounted against the heavily armed attackers.

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“The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. There was fear everywhere,” the resident added.

Confirming the attack, the Olora of Ora, Oba Rilwan Yekini, said the incident reflects worsening insecurity in neighbouring communities, warning that rural settlements are increasingly under threat.

“Just yesterday before dawn, kidnappers struck at Olayinka village and abducted the monarch and two others. Even Ora is no longer safe,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in the area, stressing that local vigilante groups and security personnel need more support to respond effectively.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as distressing, confirming that a joint search-and-rescue operation had been launched.

According to him, security operatives, local vigilantes, and forest guards have begun combing surrounding forests and communities in efforts to rescue the victims.

“We are deeply concerned and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said.

He urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command said efforts have been intensified to track down the kidnappers. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, noted that security operatives are closing in on the suspects, although he expressed concern over possible insider collaboration.

“The kidnappers have gone into hiding because of the ongoing onslaught against them. The challenge is the activities of local collaborators, but we are on their trail,” he said.

The incident adds to a growing wave of abductions in parts of Kwara North and South, where rural communities and traditional institutions have increasingly become targets of armed groups.

Authorities say operations are ongoing as security forces intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.

Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack