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Armed assailants suspected to be bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident during a midnight attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the palace of Oba Salman Aweda around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing shots into the air to disperse residents before taking the monarch and two others to an unknown destination.
The incident has triggered panic in the community, coming shortly after the monarch’s recent elevation and formal installation by the state government.
A resident confirmed that the attack took place around 1 a.m., adding that the monarch, his wife, and another person were taken away. The source also noted that the ruler was among recently installed traditional leaders in the area.
“Yes, it happened in Olayinka around 1 a.m. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of the recently graded traditional rulers.”
Another resident described the invasion as frightening, saying the attackers arrived heavily armed around 1:40 a.m., leaving no room for resistance as residents fled in fear.
“The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. Everybody was scared, so nobody could do anything,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, said authorities were deeply concerned and had begun coordinated efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said during a visit to the community on Saturday.
He explained that security agencies had been mobilised in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards to comb surrounding forests and nearby communities.
According to him, the ongoing operation is focused on ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch and the other victims.
Yusuf also urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue mission, stressing that community cooperation was essential to restoring peace.
The abduction has heightened fears of renewed bandit activity in Kwara South, with residents calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
