Kwara seethes as protesters decry terrorist takeover

… 30 traditional rulers flee palaces amid a wave of assassinations and kidnappings

No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across Kwara South have reportedly abandoned their palaces following continued attacks by armed groups, as angry residents took to the streets on Saturday to protest what they described as the “total collapse” of security in the region..

The development comes amid fresh warning from the Kwara South Development Forum, whose members have stormed major roads in the senatorial district, accusing armed groups – described by residents as terrorists – of invading indigenous Yoruba communities, killing residents, kidnapping victims and displacing entire villages.

Protesters also called on President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently intervene, warning that the situation has reached a “dangerous tipping point” marked by community abandonment and a leadership vacuum following the flight of traditional rulers.

Protesters lament the community takeover and the collapse of vigilante structures

Speaking during the protest, the coordinator of the forum, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said armed groups had systematically targeted and eliminated local vigilante commanders, paving the way for what he described as a creeping occupation of communities in Southern Kwara.

“Our local vigilante commanders were identified by informants and were killed one by one.

After eliminating them, they took control of our communities, killing and kidnapping innocent people,” Ridwan said.

He said informants helped attackers dismantle community defense structures, leaving residents vulnerable.

Ridwan added that schools have been closed, families displaced and entire settlements abandoned due to recurring attacks.

“Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers have been killed and kidnapped. Our schools have been closed in Kwara South. We call on President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq to empower vigilantes and security agencies to put an end to these killings,” he added.

Residents report kidnappings and ransom payments

During the protest, emotions ran high as residents recounted harrowing experiences.

One protester, Adebisi Jimoh, said her community, Babanla, had been abandoned.

“Our community has become deserted. Our family members have been kidnapped and we have collected ransom to secure their release. Many of us have been driven from our homes,” he said.

Another resident, Sodiq Amidu, said two of his associates paid a hefty ransom before regaining their freedom.

“They were Abdullah Issa, who paid $10 million, and Yusuf Ibrahim, who paid $5 million. They were lucky to come back alive. Many others are not so lucky,” he said.

30 monarchs flee palaces as attacks intensify
Meanwhile, credible community sources have confirmed that no fewer than 30 traditional rulers across Southern Kwara have fled their domains following repeated abductions and violent incursions.

The monarchs, it was learnt, are currently taking refuge in towns including Ilorin, Offa, Osogbo and Lagos, while their abandoned palaces have become symbols of worsening insecurity.

The affected communities include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo and Igbo Agbon, among others.

An Omugo resident, Wale Olasunkanmi, said traditional rulers who once lived among their people have been forced to leave.

“When the attacks became frequent, it was no longer safe for them to stay. Even ordinary residents are afraid, so imagine what it means for a king who is always a target,” he said.

He recalled a major attack in March 2026 that triggered mass displacement across the area.
Deserted communities, kidnapped monarch, ransoms amounting to millions

The findings also showed that Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo communities have remained largely deserted since June 2025 following repeated attacks, including the killing of two police officers at a mining site.

In Afin community, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, has been absent since he and his son were kidnapped in December 2025. The monarch reportedly regained his freedom after the ransom was paid, but has not returned due to ill health.

In the Olayinka community, gunmen recently kidnapped a monarch along with his wife, with reports that the ransom demand reached around $400 million before police intervention led to the arrest of suspected illegal miners.

One resident described the attack as “like a war scene”, saying the community has been abandoned ever since.

The crisis has also seen several monarchs and palace leaders killed or kidnapped in Southern Kwara in recent years, including: Baale of Ogbayo, killed in 2025; Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, killed in 2024 along with the kidnapping of his wife; Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, kidnapped and released after ransom was paid.

Sources said ransom demands now range between N40 and N400 million.

“Ghost communities” emerge as leadership vacuum worsens

Security and community leaders warn that more than 28 communities in the Ifelodun axis alone have been abandoned, with farms, schools and markets completely closed.

A vigilante member said local defenders were overwhelmed by the superior firepower.

“We know these forests, but they have better weapons. We are always in front of them, but their firepower gives them the upper hand,” he said.

Protesters and community leaders called for urgent intervention, including strengthening vigilante groups, deploying security personnel and restoring traditional leadership structures.

Activist Aleshinloye Saheed said the region was under siege.

“Our communities have been abandoned due to continued killings and kidnappings. We demand decisive action,” he said.

Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete actions are taken to restore security and allow displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes.

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