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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 attackers reportedly stormed the palace of Oba Salman Aweda at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing gunshots to terrorise residents before whisking the victims away to an unknown location.
The incident has triggered panic across the community, particularly as the monarch was among recently elevated traditional rulers formally installed by the state government.
A local source confirmed the attack, stating that the monarch, his wife, and another individual were forcefully taken during the invasion in the early hours of the day.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, described the incident as terrifying, noting that the heavily armed assailants overwhelmed the area, leaving residents too frightened to resist.
Confirming the development, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, condemned the attack and assured that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.
He disclosed that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across nearby forests and adjoining communities.
According to him, the operation is aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted monarch and the other victims.
Yusuf appealed to residents to remain calm and support security operatives with credible information that could aid the ongoing rescue mission, stressing that community cooperation is vital to restoring peace.
The abduction has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in Kwara South, with residents calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks in the area.
