A family source who was inside the palace when the attack unfolded told The PUNCH via telephone on Thursday that panic ensued as the assailants opened fire. They used their guns to break down the door, gained entrance and requested for the Kabiesi, and he came out. “We were about 10 in the palace around that time to come spend the holiday with Kabiesi, so everyone was hiding during the incident. The reported abduction comes amid a disturbing rise in insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun and other rural communities. The monarch was held in captivity for weeks before being released after community-led negotiations and payment of a substantial ransom.

Source: Punch January 01, 2026 14:44 UTC