Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife, One Other In Midnight Attack

Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife, One Other In Midnight Attack
Attackers stormed palace, fired shots and fled with victims
Authorities launched rescue operation, urged residents to support efforts

A traditional ruler, Oba Salman Aweda, his wife, and another resident have been abducted by suspected bandits during a midnight attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the attackers reportedly stormed the monarch’s palace around 1:40 a.m., firing gunshots to scare residents before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.

A local source who confirmed the attack said the development has thrown the community into panic, noting that the monarch was recently elevated and formally installed by the state government.

The source said, “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 Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as disturbing during a visit to the community on Saturday and assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.

He disclosed that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.

Yusuf urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.

He said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies.

“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch.

“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace.”