A traditional ruler in Igbesi, Oge Onigbin in Isin Local Government of Kwara, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye, has been kidnapped by bandits.

Community sources, who confirmed the incident to the Peoples Gazette, said the monarch was abducted when the bandits stormed the community around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.

“It was a fierce attack. Oba Onigbesi was kidnapped and taken to an unknown location. It was a scary situation that disrupted the entire community,” a source said.

Another source noted, “Nobody expected such an attack at that odd hour. The bandits stormed the community and started shooting sporadically before taking Oba Onigbesi away. We don’t know where he was taken to.”

In another development, bandits invaded Wodata Rumallan village in Edu Local Government Area of the state and kidnapped two people.

It was learnt that the assailants also stormed the community late on Saturday, shooting sporadically. 

The kidnapped victims were simply identified as Rukayat and her stepmother, Hazare.

The development had thrown the community into panic, with residents leaving in search of safety elsewhere. 

When contacted for comment, police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi promised to verify the incidents and revert with details.

The latest incidents came amid escalating bandit attacks on several Kwara communities, particularly in Edu, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Kaiama and others.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu recently approved the establishment of an army battalion in the state to strengthen security and curb killings.

The battalion, which had since started operations, was stationed in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.