Suspected bandits have abducted the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Council Area of Kwara State, identified as Iya Ayoka, amid renewed concern over insecurity across Kwara South.

In a separate attack, armed bandits reportedly kidnapped the King of Igbesi, a community in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Council Area, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the monarch’s abduction, though a palace source alleged that the traditional ruler was taken alongside other residents during the raid.

The assailants reportedly invaded Igbesi at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and whisked away the monarch. Adekimi, however, said available information indicated that only the traditional ruler was taken.

₦20 Million Ransom Demanded For Missing 23-Year-Old

Separately, kidnappers have demanded a ₦20 million ransom for the release of 23-year-old Fasilat Babatunde, who was abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun Local Council Area on July 15.

The Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF), in a statement issued by its Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba, said Ayoka was abducted on Friday night and called on the Federal and Kwara State governments to urgently secure her release and that of other victims still in captivity.

The forum also raised alarm over Babatunde’s prolonged captivity, alleging that her kidnappers had gained access to her TikTok account and were using it to post content and make calls while negotiating ransom with her family.

The incidents have deepened fears over security in Kwara South, where communities continue to report sporadic kidnappings and armed attacks despite stepped-up security measures in the region.

Sokoto Security Adviser Calls For Unity Against Banditry

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), has called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to unite against banditry.

Usman made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday, responding to comments from some opposition politicians on insecurity in Sokoto State.

He warned against turning the security crisis into a political issue, saying bandits do not discriminate based on political affiliation when they attack communities, and that victims are ordinary citizens regardless of the parties they support.

Usman said tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility, calling on political actors to focus on strengthening peace, protecting lives and supporting security agencies rather than turning the crisis into a partisan fight.

He also appealed to residents to share credible and timely intelligence with security agencies to assist ongoing operations, warning that actions capable of undermining peace efforts could expose communities to further danger.