Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident in a daring midnight attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The monarch is reported to be among those recently elevated by the state government.
The attackers, said to be heavily armed, invaded the palace of Salman Aweda at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing sporadically to scare residents before abducting the monarch and two others to an unknown location.
A resident who confirmed the incident said the attackers struck in the early hours of the day.
“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,” the source said.
Another resident described the attack as swift and terrifying.
“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 development in Ora on Saturday, the Olora of Ora, Rilwan Yekini, told Daily Trust that the incident highlights the worsening security situation in surrounding 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.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene, noting that local security outfits only need adequate support to tackle the situation.
“We have gallant vigilantes and soldiers. With the support of the President, within a week there will be significant progress,” he added.
The monarch also revealed that the attack occurred barely “days after a similar incident in nearby Odo-Ore”, raising concerns about a possible pattern of coordinated kidnappings in the area.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as troubling and assured 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 disclosed that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving security personnel, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across forests and nearby communities.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he added.
Yusuf appealed for calm and urged residents to support security efforts with credible information.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing these challenges and restoring peace,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, said security operatives had intensified efforts against 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.