IFELÓDUN, Kwara State — Residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State are reeling from shock after armed terrorists reportedly abducted the traditional ruler, Oba Bayagan, during a sudden raid on Saturday night. The incident has amplified fear and tension across the region, already battered by repeated attacks by criminal elements.
Eyewitnesses say that the assailants struck without warning, catching the monarch and palace guards off guard before whisking him away. As of the time of reporting, details remain sketchy, including the exact number of attackers, their identity, demands, or the location to which the king was taken. Residents described the community as thrown into confusion and panic, with many fleeing their homes.
This abduction is the latest in a growing wave of insecurity in Ifelodun and neighbouring communities. On November 16, suspected terrorists abducted two chiefs in Oreke, another town in the same Local Government Area, even after assurances from authorities that security had improved. The repeated attacks have forced many villagers to abandon their homes and farms, deepening fear and disillusionment among residents.
Local leaders and community watchers warn that the pattern of targeting traditional rulers and community chiefs is likely intentional. “Once the community leadership is removed or intimidated, it becomes easier for gangs to operate unchecked — abducting, looting and terrorizing people at will,” one elder said on condition of anonymity.
Security sources say the state police command and military are being mobilized to launch a manhunt, but many residents say that previous deployments have been largely ineffective, as attackers often escape into bush routes and hideouts.
As fear grips Ifelodun, villagers are calling on the state government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently step up protection, ensure prompt rescue, and provide safety guarantees. Without decisive action, they warn, lawlessness may spiral further — eroding community trust and displacing hundreds more across Kwara State.
Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor any developments, including efforts to rescue the monarch, official responses by security agencies, and updates on community safety across Ifelodun and surrounding LGAs.