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ILORIN, KWARA STATE — By Prime Brief Media

A traditional ruler, Oba Salman Aweda, his wife, and one other resident have been abducted by suspected bandits following a brazen midnight attack on the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to local sources and community elders who spoke to Prime Brief Media on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, the armed assailants stormed the monarch's palace at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The attackers reportedly shot sporadically into the air to disperse any potential resistance before forcing their way into the palace and whisking the traditional ruler and his wife away.

The abduction of Oba Aweda is particularly significant as the monarch was only recently elevated to the stool and formally installed by the Kwara State Government. His reign had been viewed by many in the community as a new chapter of leadership and development for the Olayinka area.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, who confirmed the incident to journalists, stated that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, forest guards, and local vigilante groups has been activated. "We are combing the forests and surrounding areas. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the monarch, his wife, and the other abducted resident," the Chairman said.

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and it remains unclear whether the attackers have established contact with the family or community leaders to demand ransom. The Kwara State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances of the attack or the progress of rescue efforts.

This incident underscores the expanding footprint of banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom operations beyond the traditional hotspots of the Northwest and North Central zones into communities previously considered relatively secure. The targeting of traditional rulers, who serve as the primary interface between the state and rural communities, represents a troubling evolution in the tactics of criminal elements seeking to undermine local governance structures.

Prime Brief Media continues to monitor the situation in Ifelodun and will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the condition of the abducted monarch and his wife.