Traditional rulers across southern Kwara State have reportedly abandoned their palaces following a surge in kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks in the region.
Community sources say at least 30 monarchs have relocated from their domains to safer urban areas such as Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos due to persistent security threats.
The affected traditional leaders are said to come from several communities including Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon. While some have been away for months, others have not returned for nearly a year.
Residents say the absence of their rulers has created a leadership gap, as repeated armed attacks forced many of them to flee. In some communities, locals say monarchs only visit occasionally for brief meetings or events before leaving again due to safety concerns.
One resident of Omugo community explained that fear of abduction made it impossible for traditional rulers to remain in their palaces. He noted that a major attack earlier in the year triggered mass displacement, with families abandoning homes overnight after armed men struck the area.
Further reports indicate that Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo have been largely deserted since mid-2025 following repeated invasions by armed groups. A deadly attack on a mining site in the area, which led to the killing of security personnel, is said to have worsened the situation.
In Afin community, the monarch reportedly has not returned since he and his son were kidnapped on New Year’s Eve. Although both were later released after ransom payments, the king is still said to be receiving medical treatment and has remained away from the community on doctors’ advice.
Across affected areas, schools, farms, and markets have been abandoned as residents continue to flee. In one recent incident in Ifelodun LGA, armed men invaded a palace, abducted a monarch, his wife, and another resident, demanding a large ransom.
Similar attacks have been recorded in recent years, including killings and abductions of other traditional rulers across Kwara South, with ransom demands running into tens or even hundreds of millions of naira.
Security observers and community leaders warn that entire settlements have been deserted, with more than 20 communities reportedly turned into near ghost towns. Agriculture and local trade have been severely disrupted, worsening economic hardship in the region.
While security agencies and traditional councils are said to be engaging behind the scenes, residents and stakeholders continue to call for stronger protection and more effective intervention to restore stability.
