Bandits Abduct Newly Installed Monarch
Gunmen struck in the early hours of Saturday in Olayinka community, Ifelodun area of Kwara State, abducting a newly installed traditional ruler, his wife and another person.
The attackers reportedly arrived around 1:40am, shooting into the air before taking their victims to an unknown location. The incident has left residents shaken and fearful.
Witnesses said the armed men stormed the palace with force, leaving occupants too frightened to resist.
The monarch, recently elevated by the state government, was taken alongside his wife during the raid. The sudden attack has deepened concern over the safety of traditional leaders in the region.
Locals say this marks another case in a growing pattern of kidnappings targeting monarchs in Kwara South.
Within the past year, at least two traditional rulers were abducted and later freed after ransom payments. Many residents now fear the trend is becoming more frequent and dangerous.
Security agencies have yet to release an official update, though efforts to secure the victims are ongoing.
Community members are urging authorities to act quickly, warning that continued attacks could weaken local institutions and worsen insecurity across the area.
