Suspected kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N450 million for the release of His Royal Highness, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, the traditional ruler of the Aafin community in the Ile Ere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, and his son, Olaolu. The abduction occurred on December 31, 2025 around 20:00 local time when eight armed assailants invaded the monarch’s palace.
Witnesses reported that the kidnappers forcibly entered the premises by breaking down doors and demanded to see both the monarch and his wife. During this attack, Oba Olaonipekun’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was injured when she was shot in the arm and was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. The attackers successfully abducted the monarch and his son while local vigilante members were reportedly overwhelmed, with only two on duty at the time.
According to sources, the kidnappers have split the ransom demands into two parts: N150 million for the release of the monarch and his son, and an additional N300 million for eight residents previously abducted from the nearby Adanla-Irese community. This information was confirmed by Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, who stated that negotiations for both sets of abductees are currently underway.
The situation escalated earlier when, on December 26, 2025, suspected bandits attacked the Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA, resulting in the abduction of eight residents. Reports indicate that the attackers began their raid around 19:00, firing indiscriminately as they moved through the area, compelling residents to comply with their demands.
As of the latest updates, the Kwara State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the ransom demands. Community leaders and residents have been vocal in their appeals to both state and federal authorities, urging them to enhance security measures and work towards the safe return of all abducted individuals.
The alarming rise in kidnapping incidents in Kwara State has heightened concerns among residents, who are increasingly anxious about their safety amid these violent attacks.
