1 killed, chief, son kidnapped in Kwara

Gunmen have abducted Oba Simeon Olaonipekun and his son, Olaolu, and in the process shot and wounded his wife in Aafin community, Ile-Ire District in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State. It was gathered that the attackers also killed a man in a nearby community in Isin LGA while fleeing the scene on New Year’s Eve. […]

Gunmen have abducted Oba Simeon Olaonipekun and his son, Olaolu, and in the process shot and wounded his wife in Aafin community, Ile-Ire District in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.

It was gathered that the attackers also killed a man in a nearby community in Isin LGA while fleeing the scene on New Year’s Eve.

A resident said Olaolu was a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He said, “We noticed strange movements outside the palace and alerted everyone inside. Doors were locked and lights switched off, but once they realised this, they started shooting.

“The attackers forced their way into the palace after breaking down the doors, repeatedly demanding to see the monarch and his wife.

“They kept asking for kabiyesi and his wife. While they were forcing their way in, the olori (queen) was shot in the arm.”

“That was when they took both the monarch and his son.”

Vigilantes were reportedly unable to repel the attack due to their small numbers and the superior firepower of the assailants.

Confirming the incident, a community leader, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunlade, said the gunmen killed a plumber while exiting the area.

He stated that the victim, Mr. Dele Ogundipe, who managed the community’s water facility, was shot dead around 10pm near an ECWA church in Oke Aba.

He said, “They earlier sent a message to surrounding communities warning of an attack during New Year’s Eve. That was why people stayed indoors and avoided crossover services.”

When contacted, the Kwara police spokesman, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, details were still being compiled and assured that further updates would be provided as investigation progressed.

Daily Trust reports that the incident occurred less than 24 hours after the state government warned that bandits were planning to launch attacks during crossover services and the New Year holiday.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju, on Wednesday, said the warning followed intelligence reports suggesting that criminal elements intended to target government infrastructure and other “soft targets” to avenge recent losses suffered during security operations.

Residents were advised to limit non-essential movements and avoid large gatherings that could expose them to danger during the festive period.