Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and one other resident during a midnight attack on Olayinka community in Agunjin District, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

 

 

 

The attackers reportedly stormed the palace of Oba Salman Aweda around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, shooting sporadically to scare residents before whisking the monarch and two others away to an unknown destination.

 

 

 

 

A local source who confirmed the attack said the monarch is one of the recently graded traditional rulers.

 

 

 

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, assured that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.

 

 

 

“We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said during a visit to the community on Saturday.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

“The operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he added.

 

 

 

Yusuf also appealed for calm and urged residents to provide useful intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

 

 

 

“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and

restoring peace,” he said.