Suspected bandits have abducted a newly installed traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual during a midnight raid on a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in the region.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was reportedly carried out by about 10 armed men who stormed the palace around 1:40 a.m. Witnesses said the assailants fired sporadically to scare residents before forcibly taking the monarch and the other victims to an unknown destination.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly as the monarch had only recently been installed by the Kwara State government.
Local sources described the raid as both terrifying and unprecedented, warning that the security situation in the area has deteriorated significantly in recent months. A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity in Ilorin, said residents now live in fear as traditional rulers increasingly become targets for kidnappers.
The latest abduction marks the third such incident involving traditional rulers in Kwara South Senatorial District within five months. In December 2025, the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, was kidnapped and later released after a ransom was reportedly paid. Similarly, in February 2026, the Oniwo of Afin, Simeon Olanipekun, and his son were abducted before regaining their freedom under similar circumstances.
Residents and stakeholders have called for urgent intervention by security agencies, urging the government to strengthen protection for traditional institutions and rural communities.
A senior police officer at the divisional headquarters in Share confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives have launched efforts to rescue the victims.
“We are working round the clock to ensure the safe return of those abducted,” the officer said.
The incident adds to growing concerns about kidnapping and armed attacks in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where criminal groups continue to exploit gaps in security, particularly in remote communities.
