Suspected terrorists have reportedly kidnapped the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The attack occurred around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, when the assailants stormed the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, shooting sporadically and breaking down doors to gain entry.
During the invasion, the Olori (queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but avoided abduction and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
An eyewitness said the gunmen arrived suddenly and began firing when they encountered resistance. “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00 pm and alerted those inside. We started locking doors and switching off the lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting,” the source explained.
“They forced their way in and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him away. They later discovered Olaolu, who was hiding, and seized him as well.”
No fewer than 10 family members and visitors were inside the palace at the time of the attack, gathered for New Year festivities. The community’s vigilante unit, with only two members on duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.
The abduction comes shortly after the release of the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Oba Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped from his farm in the same LGA and held for 25 days before a ransom was paid.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the current status of the abducted monarch and his son.
The incident has raised concerns about the protection of rural communities against armed attacks.
