Crime

Gunmen Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Son in Palace Attack, Queen Shot

Published by admin on January 2nd, 2026.

Gunmen Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Son in Palace Attack, Queen Shot

Suspected armed bandits have kidnapped the traditional ruler of Aafin Community in Kwara State, Oba Simeon Yemi Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, during a violent attack on his palace on New Year’s Eve. The monarch’s wife, Queen Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot during the incident but narrowly escaped abduction.

The attack occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, at the royal palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, located in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area. The incident has heightened fear among residents of Kwara South, where security challenges have continued to worsen.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived heavily armed, firing shots into the air as they forced their way into the palace after breaking doors and windows. During the chaos, the Olori was hit by a bullet in the arm and was later rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

A palace source, who requested anonymity, recounted that unusual movements were noticed outside the palace shortly before the attack. According to the source, occupants attempted to secure the building by locking doors and switching off lights, but the gunmen responded by opening fire.

“They forced their way in and demanded to see the Kabiyesi,” the source said. “They also asked for his wife, but by then she had already been shot. The king later came out and they took him away. They eventually found his son, Olaolu, who was hiding, and abducted him too.”

At the time of the attack, no fewer than ten family members and guests were reportedly inside the palace for the holiday celebrations. The community’s vigilante group, with only two members on night duty, was unable to resist the attackers.

“The vigilantes were powerless because they were outnumbered and outgunned,” the eyewitness added. “The gunmen went straight to the palace and did not attack any other home.”

The incident comes weeks after the release of another traditional ruler in the same local government area. The Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Oba Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped on his farm and held for 25 days, was freed after a ransom was paid.

Confirming his release, community spokesperson Ayinla Lawal said the monarch regained freedom after residents raised a large sum of money in two separate payments. He noted that neither the local nor state government provided assistance during the ordeal.

“Although we cannot disclose the exact amount paid, it was substantial,” Lawal said. “The community alone contributed the ransom. We thank God for his safe return and appreciate the support we received from the media and our people.”

Lawal further disclosed that the abductors initially rejected a ₦10 million payment and later demanded an additional ₦15 million before releasing the monarch.