Kwara Monarch, Son Abducted In Palace Attack

The Aniwo 1 of Aafin community in Ile-Ire District, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, have reportedly been kidnapped following a violent raid on the community palace.

The attack occurred late Wednesday night on New Year’s Eve, when about eight armed men allegedly stormed the palace around 8 p.m., firing sporadically while demanding to see the monarch and his wife, according to the PUNCH Online.

A family member who witnessed the attack recounted the chaos to PUNCH Online via telephone on Thursday.

“Around 8pm, I noticed some strange movements outside and I immediately alerted those inside. We started locking all the doors and switching off inner lights, but when they realised what we were doing, they began shooting sporadically,” the source said.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source explained that the gunmen forced their way into the palace by breaking down the door with firearms and specifically demanded to see the Oba.

“They are about eight in number because I saw them from where I was hiding. They used their guns to break down the door, gained entrance and requested for the Kabiesi, and he came out.

“They were asking for his wife too, but she has been hit with a bullet in the arm, during their attempt to gain entrance,” the source added.

The assailants also abducted one of the monarch’s sons, who had stepped out from hiding with the Olori (Queen).

“We were about 10 in the palace around that time to come spend the holiday with Kabiesi, so everyone was hiding during the incident. One of the sons who was with the Olori came out to avoid casualties as they were shooting and breaking down doors,” the source said.

The witness further noted that the leader of the kidnappers spoke fluent English and appeared to be targeting the royal family specifically.

“The leader of the kidnappers spoke good English and the only thing they were asking is the Kabiesi and when he came out, they were asking for his wife too.

“After they left, we quickly took the Olori to the hospital yesterday night,” the source added.

The source said the town vigilantes were unable to intervene, as only two members were on duty at the time.

“The town vigilantes could not do much because they were two that came out that time and they couldn’t match the firepower of the assailants.

“We have not heard anything from them since they left with the Oba and his son. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to come to our aid,” the source said.

Authorities were reportedly informed of the attack on the night it occurred.

“When we left Aafin last night, we made a report at the Owu Isin Divisional Police and also when we got to Ijara Isin, we informed the police there too. The joint local security network at Ikosin was also informed, and also the Kabiesi of Oke Aba,” the source said.

Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, also confirmed that the command was aware of the incident.

The reported abduction comes amid rising insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun LGA and other rural communities.