Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife and another resident during a late-night attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The assailants, reportedly armed, stormed the palace of Oba Salman Aweda around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing gunshots to disperse residents before taking the monarch and two others to an undisclosed location.
Residents said the operation was swift and left the community in panic.
“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,” a source said.
Another resident described the incident as terrifying, noting the attackers overwhelmed the community without resistance.
“The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. There was fear everywhere. Nobody could confront them,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, the Olora of Ora, Oba Rilwan Yekini, warned that insecurity was spreading across neighbouring communities.
“Just yesterday before dawn, kidnappers struck at Olayinka village and abducted the monarch and two others. Even Ora is no longer safe,” he said.
The monarch urged the Federal Government to strengthen local security structures, expressing confidence that the situation could be contained with adequate support.
“We have gallant vigilantes and soldiers. With the support of the President, within a week there will be significant progress,” he added.
He further disclosed that the latest abduction occurred barely “days after a similar incident in nearby Odo-Ore,” suggesting a growing pattern of attacks in the axis.
Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as disturbing, assuring that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.
“We are deeply concerned and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said during a visit to the community.
He revealed that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards and local vigilantes had been launched.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he added.
Yusuf also appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing these challenges and restoring peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said security forces were intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators.
“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.
