Gunmen Kidnap Kwara Monarch and Son in Palace Raid Amid Rising Insecurity
Armed men suspected to be terrorists have abducted a traditional ruler and one of his sons during a violent attack on a palace in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on New Year’s Eve.
According to resident accounts, the assault took place at around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, when a group of gunmen stormed the Aafin Community palace in the Ile‑Ere district. The attackers reportedly shot sporadically to force entry into the monarch’s residence.
The monarch, identified as Oba Simeon Y. Olaonipekun, was seized by the gunmen along with his son Olaolu, who is currently serving with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). During the assault, the queen consort, Felicia Olaonipekun, was hit in the arm by gunfire but escaped being taken and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Witnesses said about ten family members and visitors were present in the palace at the time of the attack, many of whom hid as the heavily armed assailants carried out the raid. A local vigilante group attempted to respond but was reportedly overwhelmed due to being outgunned and understaffed.
The incident, which was reported to multiple police divisions and local security networks, has sparked alarm in the community and renewed calls for stronger security measures by the Kwara State government and national authorities.
This kidnapping comes amid a broader wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara State, where armed groups have carried out abductions and attacks on communities in recent weeks.
An official response from security agencies was not immediately available at the time of this report as efforts to contact relevant authorities continued.