Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have abducted the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, during a brazen attack on the palace on New Year’s Eve.
The incident, which occurred around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Aafin Ile-Ere, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, sent shockwaves through the community as residents grappled with escalating insecurity in Kwara South.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers stormed the palace, firing sporadically and breaking down doors to force their way inside.
The source added that during the assault, the Olori (Queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but narrowly escaped abduction. She was later rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
An anonymous palace source recounted the harrowing moments: “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00 pm and immediately alerted those inside. We began locking doors and switching off lights, but the gunmen, once aware, started shooting.
They demanded to see the Kabiyesi and his wife. The Queen had already been hit by a bullet, so they seized the monarch and later discovered his son, Olaolu, hiding and took him as well.”
Reports indicate that at least ten family members and visitors were present in the palace when the attackers struck. The community’s vigilante unit, with only two members on night duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed assailants.
The attack follows a recent abduction in the area, where the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, was kidnapped on his farm but later released after a ransom was paid.
Ayinla Lawal, the Aafin community spokesperson, confirmed the previous release, stating that the community had to raise a substantial amount to secure the monarch’s freedom without government assistance.
Security operatives are yet to comment on the latest abduction. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as the state police and local authorities investigate the incident.
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