In a brazen attack that has sent shockwaves through the community, a traditional ruler and his son were forcefully taken from their palace in Kwara State. The incident occurred on the eve of the New Year, marking a violent start to 2026 for the peaceful Aafin community.
New Year's Eve Terror at the Palace
Around 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the tranquility of the Ile-Ire District in Ifelodun Local Government Area was shattered. A group of approximately eight armed men descended upon the palace of Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, the Aniwo 1 of Aafin community. The assailants began shooting sporadically, creating panic as they demanded to see the monarch and his wife.
A family source who witnessed the attack recounted the terrifying moments. "I noticed some strange movements outside and I immediately alerted those inside," the source said. "We started locking all the doors and switching off inner lights, but when they realised what we were doing, they began shooting sporadically."
The gunmen, undeterred by the locked doors, used their weapons to break their way into the palace. Once inside, they repeated their demand for the Kabiesi (king). Oba Simeon Olaonipekun presented himself to the invaders. The attackers also specifically asked for his wife, the Olori (queen), who had already sustained a gunshot wound to her arm during the forced entry.
The Abduction and Aftermath
The situation escalated further when one of the monarch's sons, Olaolu, emerged from hiding alongside the queen in an attempt to prevent further casualties. The gunmen seized him alongside his father. It was noted that Olaolu is currently a participant in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
"One of the sons who was with the Olori came out to avoid casualties as they were shooting and breaking down doors," the source explained. The assailants then left with the Oba and his son, leaving behind a wounded queen and a traumatised household. The Olori was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
A chilling detail provided by the source was that the leader of the kidnappers spoke fluent English, indicating a level of sophistication, and seemed to have precise targets in mind. The local vigilante group was unable to mount an effective resistance as only two members were on duty at the time, hopelessly outgunned by the attackers.
Appeals for Help and Police Response
Since the abduction, the family and community have heard nothing from the captors. "We have not heard anything from them since they left with the Oba and his son," the anonymous source lamented. "We are appealing to the government and security agencies to come to our aid."
Immediate reports were made to the Owu Isin Divisional Police and the police station in Ijara Isin. The joint local security network at Ikosin and the Kabiesi of Oke Aba were also informed of the crisis.
The Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, has confirmed the incident. However, she stated that comprehensive details are still being collated as investigations into the shocking palace invasion and kidnapping continue.
