KWARA STATE, Nigeria — Suspected bandits abducted traditional ruler Oba Salman Aweda, his wife, and one other resident during an attack on the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, at 1:40 a.m. WAT on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
Okay News reports that the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, confirmed the abduction during a community visit on Saturday and announced a joint search-and-rescue operation. “We are deeply concerned about this incident and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said.
The suspected attackers entered the palace of the recently installed monarch, firing weapons sporadically before removing the three victims. A resident said the community offered no resistance during the invasion. “The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. Everybody was scared, so nobody could do anything,” the resident said.
A local source verified the timeline and confirmed the status of the abducted ruler. “Yes, it happened in Olayinka around 1 a.m. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of the recently graded traditional rulers,” the source said.
A joint search-and-rescue operation involving security operatives, forest guards, and local vigilantes has been launched across surrounding forests and neighbouring communities.
