Gunmen Abduct Kwara Monarch, Son in New Year’s Eve Palace Attack

Gunmen reportedly abducted the Aniwo 1 of Aafin community, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun and one of his sons, Olaolu after a late-night attack on the monarch’s palace on New Year’s Eve.

Witnesses said about eight armed men invaded the palace around 8 p.m., shooting into the air and demanding to see the king and his wife.

The sudden attack caused fear and confusion as people inside the palace ran for safety.

A family member, who asked not to be named, said the attackers forced their way in by breaking doors with their guns. During the chaos, the queen was shot in the arm, while a prince who came out with her was also taken away alongside the monarch.

The source added that the gunmen appeared to have come specifically for the Oba and his family, noting that their leader spoke clear English.

Only two local vigilante members were on duty at the time and could not stop the attack. After the gunmen left, the injured queen was rushed to a nearby hospital while the incident was reported to police divisions in Owu Isin, Ijara Isin and other security units in the area.

Kwara State Police said they are aware of the incident and are gathering details. The abduction adds to rising insecurity in Ifelodun and surrounding rural communities, following the kidnapping of the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, from his farm in November 2025.