Fresh concerns over insecurity in Kwara State have emerged following the abduction of a traditional ruler and several residents in separate attacks linked to armed bandits operating in parts of the state.
The latest incident involved the kidnapping of the King of Igbesi in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Council Area, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, who was reportedly abducted during a late-night attack on the community.
According to reports, the armed men invaded the area at about 11 p.m. on Saturday before taking the monarch away.
While a palace source claimed that the traditional ruler was abducted alongside other residents, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, said only the monarch was kidnapped during the operation.
In a separate development, suspected kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N20 million for the release of Fasilat Babatunde, a 23-year-old woman abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun Local Council Area.
The victim was reportedly taken from her residence by armed men on July 15 and remains in captivity.
The security situation was further compounded by the abduction of Iya Ayoka, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Council Area.
According to the Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF), she was kidnapped on Friday night by unidentified gunmen.
Reacting to the incidents, the forum called on both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of all victims.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba, the group expressed concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings and attacks in Kwara South despite recent security interventions in the area.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, urged political leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders and residents to unite against insecurity.
He stressed that the fight against banditry should not be reduced to partisan politics but approached as a collective responsibility.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and curb the activities of criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.
