Terrorists have abducted the traditional ruler of Aafin community in the Ile Ere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, alongside his son, during a late-night attack on the monarch’s palace.

The incident occurred at about 8:00pm on Wednesday, December 31, when armed men reportedly invaded the palace, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents of the community.

The attackers appeared to have come specifically for the monarch and members of his household. A source who witnessed the attack said unusual movements were noticed outside the palace shortly before the gunmen began shooting.

“We started locking doors and switching off lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting and forced their way into the palace,” the source said.

The attackers reportedly demanded to see the monarch, who later came out, while also calling for his wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, who was said to have sustained a gunshot wound to the arm during the attack.

The monarch’s son, Olaolu, who is currently serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was also abducted after he emerged from hiding.

“There were about 10 of us in the palace at the time because of the holidays. Everyone was hiding. After the gunmen left, we rushed the Olori to the hospital that same night,” the source added.

The community’s vigilante group was reportedly unable to repel the attackers, as only two members were on duty and were overpowered by the gunmen’s superior firepower.

The incident was said to have been reported to several police formations, including divisions in Owu Isin and Ijara Isin, as well as local security outfits in neighbouring communities.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation of contact with the abductors. Residents of Aafin community have appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the monarch and his son.

A senior police officer at the Kwara State Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said detectives have been deployed to the community to rescue the victims.

He urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to curb the rising spate of insecurity in the state. (Arise News)