Kidnappers holding a traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, alongside his son and several other residents, have reportedly demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for their release, further raising alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
Sources disclosed on Friday that the abductors are seeking ₦150 million for the release of the monarch and his son, Olaolu, who is currently serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps.
In addition, a separate sum of ₦300 million has been demanded for the freedom of eight residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, a community near Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Confirming the development, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said negotiations with the kidnappers were already underway concerning both groups of victims.
“Only two days ago, the kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of the Adanla abductees. Today, they demanded N150 million for the monarch and his son,” he stated.
The royal father was kidnapped on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, after armed men allegedly invaded the royal palace in Aafin community, located in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA, at about 8 pm.
Witnesses recounted that roughly eight gunmen stormed the palace, firing shots into the air before forcing their way inside. “They broke down the doors with their guns and demanded to see the monarch and his wife,” a family source revealed.
During the violent raid, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention. The attackers later escaped with the monarch and his son, reportedly overpowering the local vigilante group stationed in the area.
Sources further revealed that only two vigilante members were on duty at the time of the attack and were no match for the heavily armed assailants.
In a related development, suspected bandits had earlier invaded Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA on Friday, December 26, 2025, abducting eight residents during an evening assault. Community members said the attackers arrived around 7 pm, firing sporadically as they moved from one house to another, forcing residents to surrender.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had not released any official statement regarding the ransom demands or the ongoing negotiations.
Meanwhile, residents and community leaders have continued to call on state and federal authorities to scale up security efforts in the area and ensure the safe and speedy release of all those abducted.
What you should know
Kidnapping incidents in Kwara State have escalated, with criminals now demanding ₦450 million for the release of a traditional ruler, his son, and eight other residents.
The abductions occurred in separate but closely timed attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area, highlighting growing insecurity in rural communities.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, while residents await a formal response from security agencies and renewed intervention from government authorities to curb the rising threat.
