Gunmen Invade Kwara Palace, Abduct Traditional Ruler, Son
Global Mirror News has gathered that armed gunmen stormed the palace of a traditional ruler in Kwara State late on New Year’s Eve, abducting the monarch and one of his sons in a brazen attack that has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the State.
The victims are the Aniwo I of Aafin community in the Ile-Ire District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to information obtained by Global Mirror News, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, when a group of about eight armed men reportedly invaded the palace, firing gunshots and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.
A family source who was present during the attack said the palace was thrown into panic when residents noticed suspicious movements outside the premises.
Efforts were made to secure the building by locking doors and switching off lights, but the assailants allegedly responded by opening sporadic fire.
The source said the gunmen forcefully broke into the palace and insisted on seeing the Oba.
In an attempt to prevent further casualties, the monarch reportedly came out to meet them.
The attackers were also said to be specifically demanding the presence of the queen.
During the violent entry, the Olori (queen) sustained a gunshot injury to her arm and was later rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Amid the chaos, one of the Oba’s sons, Olaolu, who emerged from hiding alongside the queen, was also seized by the assailants.
The source disclosed that about 10 family members and visitors were inside the palace at the time, having gathered to celebrate the New Year with the monarch.
He added that the leader of the attackers spoke fluent English and appeared to have targeted the royal family deliberately.
Local vigilantes were reportedly unable to repel the attack due to limited manpower and inferior firepower, as only two members were said to be on duty at the time.
Following the abduction, reports were made to several Police formations, including the Owu Isin and Ijara Isin Divisional Police stations, as well as the joint local security network in Ikosin.
Traditional authorities in neighbouring communities were also notified.
When contacted, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed awareness of the incident, stating that details were still being collated and that the command would provide updates as investigations progress.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in Kwara State.
In November 2025, another traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was kidnapped from his farm and held for weeks before his release.
Security experts warn that repeated attacks on rural communities, traditional leaders and worship centres point to an escalation of banditry and criminal activities across forest-border Areas of Kwara, particularly in Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, Isin and neighbouring Local Councils.
