Suspected terrorists have reportedly kidnapped the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The attack occurred around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, when assailants stormed the Aafin Ile-Ere palace, firing sporadically and breaking down doors to force their way inside.
During the invasion, the Olori (queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped abduction and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
An eyewitness reported that the gunmen demanded to see the Kabiyesi (king) and also asked for his wife, eventually seizing both Oba Olaonipekun and his son Olaolu. No fewer than ten family members and visitors were inside the palace at the time, gathered for New Year festivities.
The community vigilante unit, which had only two members on duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.
The abduction has heightened fear in the area, coming weeks after the release of the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who had been kidnapped and held for 25 days, reportedly released after a substantial ransom was paid.
