Suspected bandits have kidnapped a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident following a late-night attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The assailants were said to have stormed the palace of Salman Aweda at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing gunshots to intimidate residents before taking the victims to an undisclosed location.
The incident has triggered widespread fear in the community, particularly as the monarch was among those recently elevated and formally installed by the state government.
A local source confirmed the development, stating that the attackers struck in the early hours of the morning and operated without resistance.
Another resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described the invasion as terrifying, noting that heavily armed men overwhelmed the area while residents remained indoors.
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Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, confirmed the abduction and condemned the attack, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable.
He disclosed that a coordinated search-and-rescue mission involving security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes has been launched across surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, while urging residents to remain calm and support security operatives with credible information.
The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara South, with residents calling for increased security presence to curb further attacks and restore confidence in the area.