Kidnappers have demanded a staggering total of ₦450 million for the release of the traditional ruler of Aafin community in Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun (the Oniwo of Aafin), his son Olaolu—a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member—and eight other residents abducted in separate incidents within Ifelodun Local Government Area. The abductors are seeking ₦150 million specifically for the monarch and his son, while an additional ₦300 million has been demanded for the eight villagers taken from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja.
The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the ransom demands on January 2, 2026, stating that negotiations had commenced. "Only two days ago, the kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of the Adanla abductees. Today, they demanded N150 million for the monarch and his son," he disclosed.
The abduction of Oba Olaonipekun and his son occurred on the night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025—New Year's Eve—when approximately eight heavily armed gunmen stormed the royal palace in Aafin community, Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA, around 8 p.m. Eyewitnesses and family sources described a terrifying raid: the assailants fired sporadically into the air, broke down doors with their gun butts, and forcibly entered the palace while demanding to see the monarch and his wife. During the chaos, the monarch's wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The attackers subsequently seized Oba Olaonipekun and his son Olaolu after overwhelming the local vigilante group, which reportedly had only two members on duty and could not match the bandits' firepower.
This incident followed a separate abduction on December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day), when suspected bandits raided Adanla-Irese community, abducting eight residents—including reports of a five-year-old girl in some accounts—during a prolonged operation that lasted several minutes. Residents recounted how the gunmen arrived in large numbers around 7 p.m., moving house-to-house while firing shots to instill fear and compliance.
The twin abductions have amplified fears over escalating insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in rural areas of Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Kwara South senatorial district, which have witnessed a surge in kidnappings in recent months. Notable prior cases include the November 2025 abduction of the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, who was taken from his farm and released weeks later after ransom payment. Communities in these forested border regions remain vulnerable to banditry, often linked to demands for high ransoms.
Family members of the monarch, speaking anonymously, expressed profound distress: "Since this incident happened, we have not been ourselves. We entered the new year with sorrow and tears. We are calling on the government and security agencies to come to our aid because we don’t know what to do." As of January 3, 2026, the Kwara State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the initial abduction but has not issued a detailed statement on the ransom demands or ongoing rescue operations.
Local leaders and residents have appealed for intensified security interventions, including deployment of more personnel and intelligence operations to curb the menace. The high ransom figure—considered exorbitant for rural communities—has raised concerns about the economic strain on families and the potential encouragement of further crimes if paid. Analysts point to broader national trends of kidnapping-for-ransom in northern and central Nigeria, exacerbated by porous forests and inadequate rural policing.
This latest case underscores the persistent challenge of banditry in Kwara, despite efforts by state and federal authorities to enhance security. Community vigilante groups, while active, often lack resources to confront well-armed assailants. As negotiations reportedly continue through intermediaries, hopes remain pinned on a swift, safe resolution without ransom fulfillment, which experts warn could fuel more abductions.
The incidents have cast a shadow over the new year in affected communities, with calls mounting for proactive measures like community policing reforms, forest patrols, and socioeconomic programs to address root causes of insecurity.
Traditional institutions, vital to cultural heritage and local governance, are increasingly targeted, eroding community confidence in safety. The shooting of the monarch's wife adds a layer of brutality, highlighting the assailants' disregard for human life. Residents describe a climate of fear, with many avoiding travel after dark or venturing into farms.
Security experts advocate for multi-layered approaches: improved intelligence sharing, rapid response units, and development initiatives to deter youth involvement in crime. Kwara State's relative peace compared to neighboring states has been disrupted by these waves, prompting urgent reviews of security architecture.
As the search intensifies, solidarity messages from traditional rulers and political leaders emphasize collective resolve against criminality. The safe return of all abductees remains the paramount hope, with community prayers and vigils underscoring the human toll of such ordeals.
This episode reflects ongoing national security challenges, where ransom-driven kidnappings strain resources and test governmental response capabilities. Sustained efforts toward prevention and resolution are crucial to restoring tranquility in vulnerable rural areas.
