By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
Tension has gripped Ile-Ere community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the reported abduction of a traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons by suspected bandits.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday night when about eight armed men stormed the monarch’s palace at about 8:30 p.m., firing sporadically into the air before forcing their way into the inner chambers of the palace.
According to reports, the gunmen abducted the monarch alongside his son, Olaolu, who is currently serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
A family source who was present at the palace during the attack told journalists that the assailants appeared to have specifically targeted the monarch and his wife.
“I noticed some strange movements outside the palace around 8:00 p.m. and immediately alerted those inside. We started locking doors and switching off the lights, but once they realised what was happening, they began shooting,” the source said.
The source added that the attackers broke down palace doors with their weapons and demanded to see the king. Olaolu, who had initially gone into hiding, was reportedly seized after he emerged from his hiding place.
“There were about 10 of us in the palace at the time, as we had gathered to spend the holiday with Kabiyesi. Everyone hid during the attack. After the gunmen left, we rushed the Olori to the hospital that same night,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a reaction from the Kwara State Police Command proved abortive, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ejire Adeyemi, did not respond to calls made to her.
