The abduction of a traditional ruler, his son and eight other residents in separate attacks in Kwara State has heightened fears among communities, underscoring the spread of insecurity across parts of the state. The incidents occurred in Ifelodun Local Government Area and have deepened concerns about worsening safety conditions.
Gunmen reportedly struck Aafin community on New Year’s Eve, storming the palace of the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and abducting the monarch along with his son, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps member.
During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and later hospitalised. Family sources said the assailants, numbering about eight, fired sporadically and overpowered the local vigilante group before forcing their way into the palace.
Days earlier, suspected bandits had also raided Adanla-Irese, a community on the outskirts of Igbaja, abducting eight residents after going from house to house while shooting into the air.
Community security leaders confirmed that the abductors have contacted the families of the victims, a development that has further heightened tension and fear in the affected areas.
Residents say the incidents point to a growing pattern of kidnappings across Ifelodun, Isin, Edu and other parts of Kwara South, raising alarm about the safety of rural communities.
The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the contacts by the abductors, describing the situation as traumatising and leaving communities exposed.
However, the Kwara State Police Command said it was not aware of any ransom demands linked to the abductions. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, reiterated the command’s opposition to ransom payment and assured that security agencies were working to rescue the abducted persons and curb criminal activities, even as residents continue to call for stronger security presence.
