Suspected bandits have abducted a newly installed traditional ruler, his wife and one other person in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has heightened fears among residents over rising insecurity in the area.
According to sources, the armed assailants stormed the palace at about 1:40 a.m., shooting sporadically before whisking the monarch and the other victims to an unknown destination.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the attackers operated without resistance as residents were overwhelmed by fear.
“The bandits invaded the palace around 1:40 a.m. They were heavily armed and took the monarch away. Nobody could confront them because people were terrified,” the source said.
The abducted royal father was said to have been recently elevated and officially recognised by the state government, making the incident particularly shocking within the community.
Residents described the development as part of a growing pattern, noting that this is the third abduction of a traditional ruler in Kwara South within one year.
Community members recalled that in 2025, two monarchs in the same region were kidnapped and later released after ransom payments.
One of the previous victims, Kamilu Salami, was abducted on his farm in December 2025 and regained freedom after spending about 25 days in captivity.
Similarly, Simeon Olanipekun was kidnapped alongside his son in early 2026 and later released, reportedly after a ransom was paid.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, though efforts to rescue the victims were said to be ongoing.
Residents have called on the government and security agencies to urgently tackle the rising wave of kidnappings, warning that traditional institutions are increasingly becoming targets of criminal groups.
