Terrorists invaded Oba Simeon Olaonipekun’s palace on New Year’s Eve, abducting the Kwara monarch and his son while shooting his wife in the arm.
Armed terrorists burst into the palace in Aafin community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, around 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025.
They fired shots indiscriminately, shattered doors, and overpowered local vigilantes before seizing Oba Olaonipekun and his son, Olaolu.
The monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her arm during the chaos, but she survived the attack.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying.
Residents heard sporadic gunfire echoing through the night, forcing many to flee their homes.
Community leaders quickly alerted authorities, but the terrorists escaped into nearby forests, exploiting the region’s porous borders.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the abduction and launched an immediate investigation, deploying additional forces to search for the victims.
This assault marks the latest in a surge of terrorist activities targeting traditional rulers in Kwara South.
Just weeks earlier, in November 2025, terrorists kidnapped another monarch, Oba Kamilu Salami of Ojibara, who endured 25 days in captivity before his release following a ransom payment.
Additionally, security experts point to ongoing banditry in rural areas, where inadequate policing leaves communities vulnerable.
Local residents expressed outrage and fear.
One villager stated that the attack shattered their sense of safety, urging the government to bolster defenses.
However, officials assured the public that they prioritize rescuing the monarch and his son unharmed.
As Nigeria enters 2026, this incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the Middle Belt, prompting calls for federal intervention to curb the violence and protect cultural leaders.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with hopes for a swift resolution.
