iDeemlawfulTerrorists attacked the busy Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran Road in Kwara State in the early hours of Monday, abducting at least four persons.
The attack took place along the major highway connecting communities in Kwara South, a route frequently used by travellers heading to Ilorin, the state capital.
A source familiar with the incident said the assailants, believed to be bandits, ambushed motorists and commuters, forcing several vehicles to stop before abducting their victims.
“The bandits are still heavily present in the area and are actively targeting travellers heading towards Ilorin,” the source said.
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As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or the condition of the abducted persons.
Motorists and commuters have been advised to avoid the Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran route and exercise extreme caution, as residents fear further attacks due to the continued presence of armed groups in the area.
The attack comes amid growing insecurity in Kwara South, following the recent abduction of the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps member, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The palace abduction reportedly occurred at about 8:00 pm on December 31, 2026, heightening fear among residents as security challenges persist across the region.
Armed men were said to have stormed the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, firing shots and forcibly gaining access after breaking down doors.
During the attack, the Olori (Queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped abduction. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
A palace eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the events, saying, “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00pm and immediately alerted those inside. We began locking doors and switching off lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting.
“They gained entrance and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him. They later discovered Olaolu in hiding and seized him as well.”
At least 10 family members and visitors were reportedly inside the palace for the holiday season when the gunmen struck.
The community vigilante group, with only two members on night duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.
“The vigilantes could not do much because they were just two on duty. The gunmen came straight to the palace. They didn’t attack any other house,” the source added.