Personnel of the Forest Guards have begun rescue operations for the abducted traditional ruler of Olayinka Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda.
Our correspondent gathered that Oba Aweda was abducted in the early hours of Saturday at his palace by assailants.
The incident has thrown the community into panic, with residents reportedly fleeing for safety.
Oba Aweda was recently elevated and formally installed by the state government.
A local source who spoke with PUNCH on condition of anonymity for safety reasons confirmed the incident.
“Yes, the incident happened in Olayinka around 1am. His wife and one other person were also abducted. The monarch is one of the recently graded traditional rulers,” he said.
Another resident recounted the ordeal, saying the attackers operated without resistance as fear overwhelmed the community.
“The bandits invaded the palace around 1:40am on Saturday. They came heavily armed and took the monarch away without resistance because everyone was terrified,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as deeply troubling and indicative of the urgent need to reinforce security architecture in the area.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident, and we are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the community on Saturday.
He disclosed that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched across surrounding forests and neighbouring settlements.
“The combined operation is aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted monarch,” he stated.
The council boss also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in tackling insecurity.
“Community cooperation remains critical in addressing security challenges and restoring peace,” Yusuf added.
While urging calm among residents, he reassured them that authorities are fully committed to securing the safe return of the victims and preventing further attacks.
“We are doing everything necessary to ensure that Kabiyesi returns safely. The safety of our people remains a top priority, and we are strengthening measures to improve security across the local government,” he said.
The incident has reignited concerns over a possible resurgence of banditry in Kwara South, with residents expressing fears that the once relatively peaceful area may be sliding into a new phase of insecurity if urgent measures are not sustained.
Meanwhile, efforts to get an official police reaction were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, ended the call before the correspondent could conclude the inquiry.
Several monarchs in Kwara State had recently been abducted by the bandits who have persistently been attacking communities in the state.
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