Suspected bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Igbesi community, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, and the first wife of the Baale of Dabu, identified as Iya Ayoka, in separate attacks in Kwara State.
According to Naija News, Iya Ayoka was abducted from Dabu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area on Friday night.
The incident was reported by the Kwara South Development Forum, which called on the authorities to intensify efforts to secure her release and rescue other residents still being held by armed groups.
Monarch Abducted in Igbesi
In a separate attack, armed men invaded Igbesi community in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area, at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and abducted Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, the Onigbesi of Igbesi Land.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the monarch’s abduction.
Although a palace source claimed that other residents were taken during the attack, the police commissioner said only the traditional ruler had been confirmed abducted.
Security operatives were reportedly working to locate the monarch and secure his release.
Kidnappers Demand ₦20m for Fasilat
The latest attacks occurred amid concern over the continued captivity of 23-year-old Fasilat Babatunde, who was abducted from her residence in Wande community, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Her abductors reportedly demanded ₦20 million for her release.
The Kwara South Development Forum alleged that the kidnappers had gained access to Fasilat’s TikTok account and were using it to publish posts, make calls and communicate with her family over the ransom demand.
Reports also indicated that her father was shot when he attempted to resist the attackers during the abduction.
Attacks Heighten Tension in Kwara South
The abductions have heightened concerns over repeated kidnappings and armed attacks affecting rural communities across Kwara South.
Residents and community organisations have demanded stronger security deployments, intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue operations to protect vulnerable settlements.
The police had not announced any arrest or disclosed whether the abductors had contacted the monarch’s family at the time of the reports reviewed.
Helicopter Ransom Claim Remains Unverified
Naija News also recalled an earlier allegation involving women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Relatives of some of the freed victims reportedly claimed that a helicopter delivered money to their captors several days before they were released.
The allegation, attributed to Naija News, contradicted the Federal Government’s position that the victims were freed through a coordinated security operation without the payment of ransom.
The relatives claimed the captives saw the helicopter arrive but were prevented from approaching the alleged consignment.
The account has not been independently verified, and no official evidence confirming that money was delivered to the kidnappers has been publicly presented.
The helicopter allegation relates to the earlier Woro abductions and not directly to the separate kidnappings of Oba Iwedunmoye, Iya Ayoka or Fasilat Babatunde.
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