Suspected Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Two Women

Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara South and at least two women in separate incidents that have renewed concern over insecurity in rural communities in the state.

The ruler of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area was reportedly taken with other residents during a late-night attack on Saturday. In Dabu, Ifelodun Local Government Area, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu, popularly known as Iya Ayoka, was also abducted on Friday night.

Daily Trust reported that Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi confirmed the Igbesi attack and said police were working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to rescue the monarch. He said operatives had moved into the bush as part of the search, while the number of attackers was still being established.

The chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, also confirmed the Dabu abduction and said security operatives were on the trail of those who took the woman.

Premium Times reported that the Kwara South Development Forum identified the Dabu victim as Iya Ayoka and urged the state and federal governments to secure her release. The group also raised concern over the continued captivity of Fasilat Babatunde, a 23-year-old woman abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun on 15 July.

According to the forum, Babatunde’s abductors have demanded ₦20 million for her release and have used her TikTok account to contact her family. The group said her father was shot during the July attack and was taken to hospital.

The latest incidents come weeks after extra army formations were approved for Kwara State. Premium Times reported that troops had been deployed to Omu-Aran as part of a wider security push, but community groups say kidnappings and armed attacks remain a serious threat across parts of Kwara South.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times