Terrorists Seize Royal Father In Kwara’s Ifelodun LGA, Heightening Security Fears
A traditional ruler in Kwara State (names withheld) has been abducted by suspected terrorists in a midnight raid that has thrown communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area into panic and renewed calls for stronger security intervention across the state
Residents told reporters that the armed men stormed the monarch’s residence under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically before whisking the ruler away to an unknown destination. The attackers reportedly operated for several minutes without resistance, leaving many villagers fleeing into nearby bushes for safety Local sources confirmed that the abducted monarch is a respected traditional figure whose influence spans several communities within the council area. His abduction adds to the growing list of violent incursions in Kwara, where multiple communities have, in recent months, endured attacks, kidnappings, and forced displacements by heavily armed criminal groups. The latest incident follows a pattern of rising insecurity in parts of the state, with residents frequently reporting raids by gunmen who target community leaders, vigilantes, and vulnerable villages. Several communities in nearby local government areas have also recently raised alarm over increasing bandit activities, forcing households to relocate to safer towns Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the kidnapping, but security operatives have reportedly commenced a manhunt and intensified surveillance around vulnerable borders of the council. Community leaders, however, say the situation demands urgent reinforcement, as many residents now fear that more attacks could follow if government intervention does not come swiftly. They described the abduction of the monarch as not only a direct attack on the community but also a dangerous sign that armed groups are expanding their operations into previously peaceful areas of Kwara. As of press time, there has been no contact from the kidnappers and no information about the condition of the abducted ruler.
