Suspected bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, alongside several residents, following an attack on the community.
In a separate incident, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, popularly known as Iya Ayoka, was also reportedly kidnapped by suspected bandits.
The two incidents, which occurred in separate communities in Kwara South, have heightened security concerns among residents.
The Igbesi monarch was reportedly abducted during an attack on the community at about 11pm on Saturday. Sources said the attackers took the traditional ruler and other residents to an unknown destination.
As of Sunday, there was no reported demand for ransom from the abductors.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the monarch’s abduction and said security agencies had launched efforts to locate and rescue him.
Adekimi said the police were working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to secure the safe release of the traditional ruler.
He explained that the circumstances surrounding the attack were still being established, noting that the late hour of the incident made it difficult to immediately determine the number of attackers involved.
The commissioner added that security operatives had entered the bush to track the perpetrators. He also disclosed that some rustled cattle had been recovered during the operation, although he clarified that the cattle were not connected to the monarch’s abduction.
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He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, confirmed the separate abduction of Iya Ayoka.
Yusuf said security operatives were already tracking the abductors and working to secure the woman’s safe release.
He, however, described the incident as isolated and maintained that the security situation in the local government area had improved considerably in recent times.
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