Armed bandits have reportedly invaded Igbesi community in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting the traditional ruler and several residents.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when the gunmen stormed the community in Kwara South.
The monarch was identified in multiple reports as Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Onigbesi of Igbesi Land. He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location alongside other residents.
The exact number of people abducted in the attack remained unclear as of Sunday, while there was no immediate official confirmation of the identities of all the victims.
THISDAY reported that about 10 suspected bandits were involved in the attack and said the abducted monarch and other residents were taken to an unknown destination. The newspaper also reported that police sources had confirmed receiving information about the incident and that the state command had commenced action.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in southern Kwara, where rural communities have experienced a series of kidnapping attacks in recent months.
It also comes against the backdrop of previous attacks targeting traditional rulers in the state. In April, suspected bandits abducted Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area, during an attack on his palace.
Earlier this month, the Kwara State Government announced the release of 176 people who had been abducted from Woro and surrounding communities after spending about six months in captivity.
Residents and community leaders have continued to call for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the Onigbesi and the other abducted residents had not been publicly disclosed, while security agencies had not issued a detailed official statement on the incident.
