Key Points
- Suspected bandits abduct the King of Igbesi and the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in separate attacks in Kwara.
- Police confirm the monarch’s abduction, while the Kwara South Development Forum calls for the release of the victims.
- Sokoto Governor’s security aide urges political, traditional and religious leaders to work together against insecurity.
Main Story
Suspected bandits have abducted the King of Igbesi in Isin Local Council Area of Kwara, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, and the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Council Area, identified as Iya Ayoka.
The monarch was reportedly taken from Igbesi, a community in Oke-Onigbin town, during an attack at about 11 p.m. on Saturday.
The Kwara Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the abduction, although a palace source said other residents were also taken during the attack.
Adekimi, however, said the traditional ruler was the only person abducted.
In a separate incident, Ayoka was reportedly kidnapped on Friday night, according to the Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF).
The forum’s Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba, called on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to work towards securing the release of Ayoka and other victims being held by their abductors.
KSDF also raised concerns over the continued captivity of Fasilat Babatunde, a 23-year-old woman who was abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun Local Council Area on July 15.
The group said armed men invaded Babatunde’s residence during the attack and subsequently demanded N20 million for her release.
According to KSDF, the abductors had gained access to Babatunde’s TikTok account and were using it to publish posts and make calls while communicating with her family over the ransom.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns about insecurity in Kwara South, where communities have continued to report kidnappings and armed attacks despite increased security measures in the area.
The Issues
The abductions highlight continuing security concerns in parts of Kwara, particularly communities in the southern part of the state.
The involvement of traditional rulers and residents in the reported attacks has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of communities to armed groups and kidnappers.
The demand for ransom in Babatunde’s case further shows the financial motive behind some of the kidnappings reported in the area.
What’s Next
KSDF is calling for urgent government action to secure the release of the abducted victims, including Ayoka and Babatunde.
Usman also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing operations against insecurity in Sokoto State.
Bottom Line
The separate abductions in Kwara have renewed concerns about insecurity in the state, while calls from stakeholders in Kwara and Sokoto centre on stronger security cooperation, timely information and collective action against armed groups.
