Kidnappers have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for the release of a Kwara traditional ruler, his son and other residents abducted in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The abductors are reportedly demanding ₦150 million for the release of the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
An additional ₦300 million has been demanded for the release of eight persons abducted in Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja.
A family source of the monarch who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers made contact earlier in the day.
“The kidnappers contacted the family this afternoon and told us to bring ₦150 million to secure the release of Kabiesi and his son,” the source said.
The source lamented that the family has been traumatised since the abduction, which occurred on New Year’s Eve.
“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,” he added.
Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, also confirmed the ransom demands.
“Yes, it is true. The bandits contacted the family this afternoon and demanded ₦150 million for the release of Kabiesi and his son. Only two days ago, ₦300 million was demanded for the release of the Adanla abductees,” he said.
Recall gunmen had invaded Aafin community in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA on December 31, 2025, storming the monarch’s palace at about 8 pm.
A family source said about eight armed men attacked the palace, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.
“When they noticed we were locking doors and switching off lights, they started shooting. They broke the door with their guns and forced their way in,” the source said.
During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The attackers reportedly abducted the monarch and his son after overpowering the community vigilante group.
“Only two vigilante members were on duty, and they could not match the firepower of the attackers,” the source added.
Similarly, on Friday, December 26, 2025, suspected bandits invaded Adanla community, abducting eight residents after firing sporadically and moving from house to house.
The twin abductions have heightened fears over the worsening security situation in Ifelodun, Isin, Edu and other parts of Kwara South, which have recorded a surge in kidnappings in recent months.