Gunmen have abducted the Aniwo 1 of the Aafin community in the Ile-Ire District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, during a violent invasion of the monarch’s palace.
The son, Olaolu, is currently undergoing the National Youth Service Corps programme. The incident occurred less than two months after another traditional ruler, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, was kidnapped from his residence within the same local government area.
Findings revealed that the attack took place on New Year’s Eve at about 8 p.m. when approximately eight armed men reportedly stormed the palace, firing gunshots and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.
A source who was inside the palace during the attack disclosed the development on the condition of anonymity, citing security concerns. According to the source, the sudden invasion triggered panic as the assailants opened fire.
“Around 8 p.m., I noticed some strange movements outside and immediately alerted those inside. We started locking all the doors and switching off the inner lights, but when they realised what we were doing, they began shooting sporadically,” the source said.
The source explained that the attackers forced entry into the palace after smashing the doors with their firearms and repeatedly demanded to see the monarch.
“They were about eight in number; I saw them from where I was hiding. They used their guns to break down the door, gained entrance and asked for Kabiesi, and he came out.
“They were also asking for his wife, but she had already been hit in the arm by a bullet during their attempt to gain entrance.
“The assailants also seized one of the monarch’s sons who came out from hiding with the Olori (queen),” the source added.
The source further stated that about 10 people were present in the palace at the time, having travelled to spend the festive period with the monarch.
“We were about 10 people in the palace at the time, having come to spend the holiday with Kabiesi. 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 explained.
It was also revealed that the leader of the attackers spoke fluent English and appeared to be focused on abducting the monarch and his wife.
“The leader of the kidnappers spoke good English. The only people they asked for were Kabiesi and his wife. After they left, we quickly took the Olori to the hospital that same night,” he said.
According to the source, members of the local vigilante group were unable to confront the attackers due to inadequate manpower and firepower.
“The vigilantes could not do much because only two of them were on duty, and they could not match the firepower of the assailants. We have not heard anything from the kidnappers since they left with the Oba and his son. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to come to our aid,” he said.
The source added that the incident was promptly reported to security agencies in the area.
“When we left Aafin that night, we reported at the Owu-Isin Divisional Police Station. On getting to Ijara-Isin, we also informed the police there. The joint local security network at Ikosin and the Kabiesi of Oke-Aba were equally informed,” he said.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was aware of the incident and was still gathering details.
“I will get in touch with you immediately once I have detailed information about the incident,” she said.
The abduction has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun Local Government Area and other rural communities.
(PUNCH)
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