Gunmen have abducted Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, the Oniwo of Aafin in Kwara State, his son Olaolu, and several residents of Adanla-Irese community, demanding a total ransom of N450 million.

The kidnappers are reportedly asking N150 million for the monarch and his son, and N300 million for eight residents abducted from Adanla-Irese. Negotiations for the release of all victims are reportedly ongoing.

Oba Olaonipekun and his family were attacked at their palace on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, by about eight armed men who forced entry, fired sporadically, and abducted the monarch and his son. The monarch’s wife was injured during the attack and taken to hospital.

Earlier, on December 26, 2025, the same attackers reportedly abducted eight residents from Adanla community in Ifelodun LGA during a late evening raid.

Local vigilante groups were reportedly overwhelmed due to the attackers’ superior firepower. Community leaders have appealed to state and federal authorities to intensify security operations to ensure the safe release of all abductees.

The Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the ransom demands.