A traditional ruler, Oba Salman Aweda, his wife, and one other resident have been abducted by bandits during a midnight attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria learnt that the attackers reportedly stormed the palace of the monarch around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, shooting sporadically to scare residents before whisking the traditional ruler and two others away to an unknown destination.
A local source who confirmed the attack to Punch said the incident has thrown the community into panic, especially as the monarch was recently elevated and formally installed by the state government.
The source said, “Yes, it happened in Olayinka around 1 a.m. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of the recently graded traditional rulers.”
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, during a visit to the community on Saturday, described the incident as deeply disturbing and assured that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.
He said a joint search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.
Yusuf also appealed for calm and urged residents to provide useful intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
He said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace.”