Anxiety has spread across Ile Ere community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons by suspected bandits.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the monarch’s palace on Wednesday night, firing shots into the air before forcefully gaining access to the inner chambers of the building and whisking away the king and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Residents said the attack occurred at about 8:30pm when the assailants, said to be about eight in number, invaded the palace and created panic in the community.
A family source who was at the palace during the incident said the attackers appeared to have a clear target.
According to the source, unusual movements were first noticed outside the palace around 8:00pm, prompting those inside to secure the premises and turn off the lights.
“When they realised we were trying to protect ourselves, they began shooting and eventually forced their way in,” the source said.
It was gathered that the gunmen broke down palace doors and demanded to see the monarch.
Olaolu, who was reportedly in hiding with others inside the palace, was later seized and taken away alongside his father.
The source added that about 10 people were in the palace at the time, having come to spend the holiday with the monarch.
The king’s wife was said to have been rushed to a hospital shortly after the attackers fled.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command was yet to issue an official statement, as efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire Adeyemi, were unsuccessful.