Bandits abduct monarch, others in Kwara raids

Suspected bandits have launched a fresh wave of attacks across communities in Kwara State, abducting a traditional ruler, the wife of another chief, and several other residents, including women and a child, in separate raids over the weekend. The attacks, which occurred between Friday night and Saturday, have renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the state, with residents and community groups calling for intensified security operations to rescue those in captivity and prevent further assaults. In the Dabu community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, gunmen invaded on Friday night and abducted the first wife of the Baale, popularly known as Iya Ayoka. The Kwara South Development Forum, in a statement issued on Sunday, called for her immediate rescue, stating that residents were no longer willing to raise money to pay ransom for kidnapped victims. The group said repeated kidnappings had placed a heavy financial burden on residents, many of whom had previously contributed money to secure the freedom of victims.