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.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has left residents in fear and raised fresh concerns about security in parts of the state.
The monarch, identified as Oba Salman Aweda, was reportedly taken from his palace around 1:40 a.m. The attackers, said to be heavily armed, stormed the area and began shooting into the air to scare residents before carrying out the abduction.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the operation was swift and well-coordinated, leaving the community with little or no chance to respond.
A local source confirmed the attack, stating that the monarch’s wife and another resident were also taken by the gunmen.
“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,” the source said.
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, described the attack as frightening and overwhelming.
“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.
The attack has caused panic across the community, especially because the monarch was recently elevated and formally installed by the Kwara State Government. His abduction has therefore been seen not only as a security threat but also as an attack on traditional authority in the area.
In many parts of Nigeria, traditional rulers play key roles in maintaining peace and supporting local administration. They often serve as a link between the government and the people, making them important figures in community development and conflict resolution.
The growing cases of abduction, however, have increasingly targeted both ordinary citizens and prominent individuals, including traditional rulers, politicians, and business people. Security experts say such attacks are often driven by ransom demands, although details of this particular case are still unclear.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the development as deeply disturbing.
During a visit to the affected community on Saturday, Yusuf assured residents that efforts were already underway to rescue the victims safely.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” he said.
He disclosed that a joint search-and-rescue operation had been launched immediately after the attack. According to him, the operation involves security personnel, forest guards, and local vigilante groups working together to track down the abductors.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” Yusuf added.
He explained that the search was being carried out across nearby forests and neighbouring communities, where the attackers are believed to have fled.
Kwara State, like several other states in the country, has in recent years faced increasing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Many of these crimes are carried out in rural and semi-urban areas where security presence is limited.
The use of forests as hideouts by criminal groups has made rescue efforts more difficult, often requiring coordinated operations and local intelligence.
Yusuf called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could help in locating the victims.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace,” he said.
He also assured that the government would not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property in the area.
Residents, however, say they are worried about their safety and are calling for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.
Some community members expressed concern that the attackers were able to operate freely for several minutes without any resistance, raising questions about the level of security in the area.
“This kind of thing should not happen. We need more security presence here,” one resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the police command in the state regarding the incident. It is also unclear whether contact has been made with the kidnappers or if any ransom demand has been issued.
The abduction of Oba Aweda adds to a growing list of traditional rulers who have been targeted by criminals in different parts of the country. Observers say such incidents could weaken local governance structures if not properly addressed.
For now, all eyes are on the ongoing rescue operation, as residents hope for the safe return of the monarch, his wife, and the other victim.
As security agencies continue their search, the people of Olayinka community remain on edge, praying for good news and a quick end to the crisis.