iDeemlawfulSuspected terrorists have reportedly abducted the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, when the assailants allegedly invaded the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, firing sporadically and forcing entry after breaking down doors.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the assault plunged the entire community into panic, amid worsening insecurity across Kwara South.
During the invasion, the Olori (queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but was not abducted. She was later taken to a hospital for medical attention.
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An eyewitness at the palace, who requested anonymity, said the gunmen arrived abruptly and opened fire once they encountered resistance.
“I noticed unusual movements outside around 8:00 pm and alerted those inside. We began locking doors and turning off the lights, but when they realised this, they started shooting,” the source said.
“They forced their way in and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been struck by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him away.
“They later found Olaolu, who was hiding, and abducted him as well.”
No fewer than 10 family members and visitors were inside the palace at the time, having gathered for New Year celebrations.
The community’s vigilante group, reportedly with only two members on night duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.
“The vigilantes couldn’t do much because only two of them were on duty. The gunmen went straight to the palace and didn’t attack any other house,” the eyewitness added.
The abduction has intensified fear in the area, occurring just weeks after the release of the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped from his farm in the same local government area and held for about 25 days.
His release had triggered celebrations in the community after a substantial ransom was reportedly paid in two instalments.
Confirming his release at the time, the community spokesperson, Ayinla Lawal, said the traditional ruler regained freedom after residents raised the ransom without government support.
“Our elders pleaded that the amount should not be disclosed, but it was huge,” Lawal said.
He disclosed that the abductors initially rejected an earlier payment of ₦10 million and later demanded an additional ₦15 million before freeing the monarch.
Recall that bandits recently released the traditional ruler of Bayagan Ile community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), Oba Kamilu Salami, after spending over 25 days in captivity.