Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler in Olayinka community, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, after a late-night attack on his palace.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when armed men stormed the palace at about 1:40 a.m., firing shots into the air before whisking the monarch away.
Details surrounding the attack remain unclear, as conflicting reports have emerged. Some community sources, as cited by the Nigerian Tribune, claimed that the monarch’s wife and another individual were also abducted during the raid. However, the police have disputed this account.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident and stated that only the traditional ruler was taken by the attackers. He also revealed that the gunmen stole a large sum of money from the palace.
According to the police commissioner, the monarch had brought the cash home on Friday, just hours before the attackers struck in the early hours of the following day.
Residents have described the incident as particularly shocking, noting that the abducted monarch had only recently been elevated and formally installed by the state government earlier this year.
The attack adds to growing concerns over security in the region, as it marks the third reported case of a traditional ruler being kidnapped in Kwara South within roughly a year.
Authorities are yet to provide further details on rescue efforts or the identity of the attackers, as investigations continue.
