A suspected bandit attack has reportedly targeted a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the abduction of a traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual in the early hours of Saturday.
According to local sources, armed attackers stormed the palace around 1:40 a.m., firing shots sporadically before taking the monarch away to an unknown location. The sudden invasion reportedly threw the community into panic, with residents unable to resist due to the heavily armed nature of the attackers.
The abducted traditional ruler was said to have been recently installed and formally recognized by the state government earlier this year, a development that has deepened concern among residents over rising insecurity in the area.
Community members described the incident as shocking, especially as it involved a newly elevated monarch. His wife and one other person were also taken during the attack.
This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of kidnappings in Kwara South, where two other traditional rulers were abducted in 2025 and only regained freedom after ransom payments were reportedly made.
The attack has further heightened fears over persistent bandit activities in parts of the state, particularly in rural communities.
