BREAKING: Kwara Insecurity Worsens As Terrorists Abduct Traditional Ruler, NYSC Son — Wife Shot During Attack

Ilorin, Kwara State– Terrorists stormed the Aafin community in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, and abducted the traditional ruler, HRH Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, late Thursday evening.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the attackers stormed the palace around 8:00pm, shooting sporadically before whisking away the monarch and his son, who is currently undergoing the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

During the invasion, the monarch’s wife, Olori Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm while attempting to flee. She was later rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

A palace source who witnessed the incident described the moment as terrifying.

“I noticed strange movements outside and told others to lock the doors and turn off lights. But once the attackers realised this, they opened fire,” the source said.

The assailants reportedly broke down the palace doors and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. After forcing him out, they also insisted on seeing his wife.

“She had already been hit by a bullet when they called for her. They also found his son, Olaolu, who was hiding, and took him too,” the eyewitness added.

He revealed that about 10 family members were in the palace to celebrate the holidays when the attackers invaded.

However, the community vigilante team, with only two personnel on duty, were overwhelmed by the well-armed assailants.

Meanwhile, Local vigilantes and neighbouring security formations, including Owu Isin and Ijara Isin police divisions, were immediately alerted, but the attackers had escaped into the bush before backup could arrive.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement, and efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful.

The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising cases of armed attacks and kidnappings, particularly targeting traditional rulers and rural communities in Kwara South.

Kwara South has increasingly become a hotspot for terrorist activity, with attacks and kidnappings occurring almost daily.