Armed bandits invaded a traditional ruler’s palace in the Iregba community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, abducting seven of the monarch’s family members, a local vigilante leader said Tuesday.
The incident occurred late Monday night, according to the vigilante chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons. He said the attackers entered the community on motorcycles and went straight to the monarch’s compound without resistance.
“They knew exactly where they were going. They stormed the palace and kidnapped seven people — all relatives of the king,” the vigilante leader said“We tried to respond, but they had already disappeared into the bush.”
The police have not confirmed the number of those abducted, but a senior security source stated that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.
The community has since been thrown into fear, with many residents fleeing to neighboring villages. Some villagers criticized the lack of security presence in the area despite repeated warnings about bandit movements.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said an investigation was ongoing, and reinforcements had been deployed to the area. “We are working closely with local security networks to ensure the safe return of the victims,” she said.
The attack adds to a growing list of insecurity cases across Nigeria’s north-central region, where communities continue to face kidnapping and violent crimes despite government assurances.
