Crime

Gunmen Kidnap Kwara Monarch and Son in Fresh Palace Attack

Published by admin on January 2nd, 2026.

Gunmen Kidnap Kwara Monarch and Son in Fresh Palace Attack

Gunmen have reportedly abducted the Aniwo 1 of the Aafin community in the Ile-Ire District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The incident, which occurred late on New Year’s Eve, is the second abduction of a traditional ruler in the same local government area in less than two months, further deepening concerns over worsening insecurity in the state.

Sources said the attackers, numbering about eight, stormed the monarch’s palace around 8 p.m., firing gunshots into the air and demanding to see the Oba and his wife. An eyewitness who was inside the palace at the time said panic broke out as residents hurriedly locked doors and switched off lights after noticing suspicious movements outside.

According to the source, the gunmen forced their way into the palace after breaking down doors with their weapons. They allegedly shot the monarch’s wife in the arm during the invasion and later took the Oba away alongside one of his sons who emerged from hiding with the queen.

About ten people were said to be in the palace during the attack, many of whom had gathered to spend the festive period with the monarch. The assailants reportedly focused only on the Oba and his wife, with the leader of the gang speaking fluent English, suggesting the attack was well-planned and targeted.

The injured queen was rushed to the hospital shortly after the gunmen left. Efforts by the local vigilante group to stop the attack were unsuccessful, as only two members were reportedly on duty and were outgunned by the attackers.

The incident was immediately reported to nearby police stations, including the Owu-Isin and Ijara-Isin divisions, as well as local security networks in the area. As of the time of reporting, there had been no communication from the kidnappers.

Confirming awareness of the development, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had received reports of the incident and was working to gather full details.

The abduction adds to growing anxiety over rising criminal activities in Kwara State, particularly in rural communities. In November, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was also kidnapped from his farm in Ifelodun LGA and held for weeks before his release.

Security experts warn that repeated attacks on traditional rulers, farmers, and worshippers point to an escalation of banditry across forested and border communities in Kwara, including parts of Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, and Isin local government areas. They have called for urgent and coordinated action to curb the deteriorating security situation.