Gunmen Storm Kwara Palaces, Abduct Two Monarchs, Queen, One Other

Armed bandits have reportedly kidnapped the traditional rulers of Olayinka and Oloruntele  communities in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State.

Sources said the bandits who stormed the Olayinka ‘s palace at about 1.00am yesterday also abducted the wife of the monarch and one other person.

The sources said the abductees were whisked away by the bandits who shot into the air sporadically to scare people away.

In a similar incident, bandits also kidnapped the traditional ruler of Olohuntele community in the same Ifelodun local government area yesterday around 3pm.

Though, security agencies had not issued any statement at the time of filing this report yesterday, a security source confirmed it to LEADERSHIP Sunday.

LEADERSHIP Sunday could not confirm if the kidnappers have reached out to the palace or the community at the time of filing this report yesterday.

The state commissioner of police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the abduction of the monarch of Olayinka community.

He added that the bandits took  a large sum of money from the palace.

Ojo said the traditional ruler had brought home the money on Friday, while the heavily armed attackers stormed the palace early Saturday morning.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday last night, the chairman of Ifelodun local government area, Hon. Femi Yusuf, confirmed the abduction of the traditional rulers of Olayinka and Oloruntele communities.

He said the abduction of the monarchs took place in the early hours of yesterday and in the afternoon of the same day.

Yusuf said he had visited the Olayinka community, adding that security agencies and the local vigilantes were on the trail of the kidnappers.

He said the efforts of the security operatives in tracking the kidnappers had not been fruitful as at last night.

The chairman also disclosed that the kidnappers  had not contacted the communities nor made any demand for ransom.