Ilorin — Gunmen have abducted the Aniwo 1 of Aafin community in the Ile-Ire District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu, during a late-night attack on the monarch’s palace.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, New Year’s Eve, when about eight armed men reportedly stormed the palace around 8 p.m., firing sporadically and demanding to see the traditional ruler and his wife.
A family source who was inside the palace during the attack told reporters that panic broke out as residents attempted to secure the building after noticing unusual movements outside. The assailants allegedly responded by opening fire and forcibly breaking into the palace.
According to the source, the gunmen gained entry after smashing the doors and demanded the presence of the monarch. Oba Olaonipekun reportedly came out to meet them, while the attackers also insisted on seeing his wife. During the invasion, the queen was said to have sustained a gunshot injury to her arm.
The attackers also seized one of the monarch’s sons, who reportedly came out from hiding alongside the queen in an effort to prevent further violence. At the time of the incident, about 10 family members were said to be in the palace to spend the holiday with the monarch.
The source added that the leader of the assailants spoke fluent English and appeared to be specifically targeting the monarch and his wife. After the gunmen left with the abducted victims, the injured queen was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Local vigilantes were reportedly unable to repel the attackers due to limited manpower, with only two members on duty at the time of the incident. The abduction was subsequently reported to nearby police divisions and local security outfits on the same night.
When contacted, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed awareness of the incident but said full details were still being gathered.
The abduction has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun and other rural communities. In a similar incident in November, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was abducted from his farm in the same local government area and later released after weeks in captivity.
Security observers warn that repeated attacks on traditional rulers and rural communities suggest an escalation of banditry and criminal activity across parts of the state, especially in areas bordering neighbouring states.
