Security agencies, in collaboration with forest guards and local vigilantes, have commenced a widespread search operation to rescue the traditional ruler of Olayinka Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was kidnapped by gunmen.
The monarch was abducted in the early hours of Saturday when armed attackers reportedly invaded his palace, taking him away alongside his wife and another individual, triggering panic among residents.
Sources within the community disclosed that the assailants struck between 1:00am and 2:00am, catching locals off guard and leaving them too frightened to resist.
A resident, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, confirmed that the monarch was among those recently installed by the state government.
“The attackers came in the middle of the night and took Kabiyesi, his wife, and another person. The community was thrown into confusion,” the source said.
Another eyewitness noted that the attackers operated freely during the raid, as fear prevented any form of confrontation.
“They were heavily armed, and nobody could challenge them. People were terrified,” the resident added.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the abduction as disturbing and unacceptable.
During a visit to the affected community, he revealed that a joint rescue mission involving multiple security outfits had been activated, with operatives combing nearby forests and settlements in search of the victims.
“We have mobilised all relevant security agencies to ensure the safe return of the monarch and others abducted,” Yusuf said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and support security efforts by sharing useful information that could aid the rescue operation.
According to him, community collaboration is essential in addressing the growing security challenges in the area.
“We assure residents that efforts are ongoing to bring Kabiyesi back safely, while measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence,” he added.
Efforts to get a response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, was unavailable for comment at the time of filing this report.
The incident is the latest in a series of abductions targeting traditional rulers in Kwara State, raising fresh concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in parts of the state.
