Zainab Abioye
Gunmen have invaded Igbesi community in Oke Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting the Oba Onigbesi of Igbesi Land and several residents.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has heightened tension across parts of Kwara South, where communities have increasingly faced attacks by suspected bandits and kidnappers.
The monarch, identified as the Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, was reportedly taken away by the attackers after they gained access to the community.
A source familiar with the incident told PLATFORM TIMES that the gunmen stormed the community in a fierce operation before fleeing with the traditional ruler and other victims.
“Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi Land has been kidnapped by armed bandits and whisked away to an unknown bush,” the source said.
Another source confirmed that the attackers invaded the community on Saturday and successfully abducted the monarch and other residents.
The exact number of people abducted remained unclear as of the time of filing this report. It was also not immediately known whether the kidnappers had established contact with the victims’ families or demanded ransom.
The latest attack has further raised concerns about the security situation in Kwara South, particularly rural communities that have recently come under increasing pressure from armed groups.
Igbesi is a community within Oke Onigbin in Isin Local Government Area of the state.
The abduction came barely a day after suspected bandits reportedly kidnapped Iya Ayoka, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The woman was reportedly abducted when armed men invaded the community on Friday night.
Sources said the attacks had increased fear among residents, with communities in the area becoming increasingly vulnerable to kidnappers.
In another incident, a 23-year-old woman identified as Babatunde Fasilat was reportedly abducted on July 26, 2026, after gunmen invaded her family home in Wande community.
A source said the victim’s father was shot while attempting to resist the attackers before the gunmen reportedly took Fasilat away.
The source alleged that the abductors later demanded N20m ransom for her release.
The situation has also taken a disturbing turn, as the kidnappers were reportedly using the TikTok account of another abducted victim to make posts and communicate with members of the public.
The series of incidents has intensified calls for stronger security measures across vulnerable communities in Kwara South, with residents increasingly concerned about the safety of traditional rulers and other residents.
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