No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across Kwara South have reportedly abandoned their palaces following sustained 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 alarm from the Kwara South Development Forum, whose members stormed major streets in the senatorial district, accusing armed groups—described by residents as terrorists—of overrunning indigenous Yoruba communities, killing residents, abducting victims, and displacing entire villages.
The protesters also called on President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently intervene, warning that the situation had reached a “dangerous tipping point” marked by deserted communities and leadership vacuum following the flight of traditional rulers.
Protesters lament community takeover, collapse of vigilante structures
Speaking during the protest, Convener 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 Kwara South communities.
“Our local vigilante commanders were identified by informants, and they were killed one by one.
After eliminating them, they took over our communities, killing and kidnapping innocent people,” Ridwan said.
He alleged that informants aided attackers in dismantling community defence structures, leaving residents vulnerable.
Ridwan added that schools had been shut, families displaced, and entire settlements deserted due to recurring attacks.
“Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers have been killed and kidnapped. Our schools are shut down in Kwara South. We are calling on President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq to empower vigilantes and security agencies to end these killings,” he added.
Residents recount kidnappings, ransom payments
During the protest, emotions ran high as residents narrated harrowing experiences.
A female protester, Adebisi Jimoh, said her community, Babanla, had been deserted.
“Our community has become deserted. Family members have been kidnapped, and we raised ransom to secure their release. Many of us have been chased out of our homes,” she said.
Another resident, Sodiq Amidu, said two of his associates paid heavy ransom before regaining freedom.
“They were Abdullah Issa, who paid N10m, and Yusuf Ibrahim, who paid N5m. They were lucky to come back alive. Many others are not that fortunate,” he said.
30 monarchs flee palaces as attacks intensify
Meanwhile, credible community sources confirmed that no fewer than 30 traditional rulers across Kwara South have fled their domains due to repeated kidnappings and violent raids.
The monarchs, it was gathered, are currently taking refuge in cities including Ilorin, Offa, Osogbo, and Lagos, while their abandoned palaces have become symbols of the worsening insecurity.
Communities affected include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon, among others.
A resident of Omugo, Wale Olasunkanmi, said traditional rulers who once lived among their people had been forced out.
“When attacks became frequent, it was no longer safe for them to remain. 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.
Communities deserted, monarch abducted, ransom running into millions
Findings further 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 away since he was abducted alongside his son in December 2025. The monarch reportedly regained freedom after ransom was paid, but has not returned due to health concerns.
In Olayinka community, armed men recently abducted a monarch alongside his wife, with reports that ransom demand reached about N400m before police intervention led to arrests of suspected illegal miners.
A resident described the attack as “like a war scene,” saying the community has since been deserted.
The crisis has also seen several monarchs and palace chiefs killed or abducted in Kwara South in recent years, including: Baale of Ogbayo, killed in 2025; Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, killed in 2024 alongside abduction of his wife ; Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, abducted and released after ransom payment.
Sources said ransom demands now range between N40m and N400m.
‘Ghost communities’ emerge as leadership vacuum worsens
Security and community leaders warn that more than 28 communities in Ifelodun axis alone have been abandoned, with farms, schools, and markets completely shut down.
A vigilante member said local defenders were overwhelmed by superior firepower.
“We know these forests, but they have better weapons. We are always facing them, but their firepower gives them the upper hand,” he said.
Protesters and community leaders have urged urgent intervention, including strengthening of vigilante groups, deployment of security personnel, and restoration of traditional leadership structures.
Activist Aleshinloye Saheed said the region was under siege.
“Our communities have been deserted as a result of sustained killings and kidnappings. We are calling for decisive action,” he said.
The protesters vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken to restore security and enable displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes.
The Punch
