Terrorists entered the palace of Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Saturday and took him away along with his wife and one other person.
The incident happened around 1:40 a.m. while the family slept.
More than ten armed men forced their way inside, took the monarch, his wife and another resident, then led them into a nearby forest.
The group also fired shots during the raid.
Community leaders say the terrorists later made contact and demanded 400 million naira for the release of those they held.
They reached out through intermediaries in the area.
The chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, described the event as worrying.
He confirmed that security agencies have started operations to bring the victims back safely and urged residents to stay calm while the efforts continue.
Police in Kwara State have responded quickly.
The command reports that officers used drones and other resources to search the surrounding areas.
They arrested 42 people linked to illegal mining activities in connection with the case.
The commissioner of police, Adekimi Ojo, said investigations continue to establish any direct links.
One of those taken with the monarch, his brother, later returned after the group left him behind because he could not keep up with the journey through the bush.
This latest event adds to concerns in the Ifelodun area, where security forces and local vigilantes have increased patrols in recent weeks.
Forest guards have also joined the search for the missing ruler and his wife.
Residents hope for a swift and peaceful resolution so that normal life can return to Olayinka and nearby communities.
Security teams say they will keep the public updated as more details emerges.
