Suspected terrorists have abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara State, heightening concerns over insecurity in parts of the North-Central region.
The victim, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday during an attack on his residence.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, believed to be more than ten in number, stormed the palace around midnight, forced their way in, and abducted the monarch along with another individual.
Community sources disclosed that the attackers later contacted associates of the victim, demanding a ransom of ₦400 million for his release.
It was further gathered that the second victim abducted during the raid was later abandoned in the forest after becoming too weak to continue, while the assailants proceeded with the monarch.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has visited the community and assured residents that security agencies have been mobilised to secure the monarch’s safe return. He added that local vigilantes and forest guards are working alongside security operatives to comb nearby forests in search of the abductors.
The incident has sparked fresh anxiety among residents, many of whom fear a resurgence of attacks targeting traditional rulers and rural communities in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been confirmed, while efforts to rescue the monarch remain ongoing.