Bandits have kidnapped a traditional ruler, his wife, and one other resident during a midnight attack on the Olayinka community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The gunmen reportedly attacked Oba Salman Aweda’s palace around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, shooting randomly to terrify people before taking the monarch and two others to an unknown location.
The tragedy has thrown the community into disarray, particularly since the king recently ascended and was formally installed by the state government.
A local source confirmed the attack, saying, “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, who spoke for fear of retaliation, described the invasion as horrifying, pointing out that there was no resistance during the operation.
“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 occurrence, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, called it highly troubling and stated that efforts were underway 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 stated that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across surrounding forests and neighboring communities.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he added.
Yusuf also called for calm and urged residents to provide useful intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace,” he said.
The abduction has heightened worries of resurgent bandit activity in Kwara South, with people clamoring for increased security to prevent further attacks.
