No fewer than 30 traditional rulers in southern Kwara State have abandoned their palaces following a surge in kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks across the region.
Drivetvnews reports indicate that Community sources revealed that many of the monarchs have relocated to safer urban areas such as Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos, with some staying away for several months and others for nearly a year. Their absence has created a leadership gap in affected communities.
Residents in places like Omugo, Oreke, Afin, and Olohuntele said frequent attacks by armed groups forced both leaders and locals to flee. A resident explained that traditional rulers, once central to community leadership, now only visit occasionally due to security fears.
The crisis reportedly escalated after repeated attacks, including a March 2026 incident in which gunmen targeted a church and abducted several people. Since then, many communities have experienced displacement, with homes, farms, and businesses abandoned.
In Oreke and surrounding areas, entire communities have remained deserted since mid-2025 following violent incursions. A previous attack near a mining site also resulted in the deaths of two police officers, further worsening tensions.
Some monarchs have also been directly targeted. The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, has yet to return to his domain after being abducted alongside his son in late 2025. Though both were later released, sources say the monarch is still recovering from the ordeal.
In another recent incident, gunmen reportedly attacked a palace in Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducting Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda along with his wife and another resident. Security operatives later arrested several suspects linked to the attack, while sources indicated that a large ransom was demanded.
Across the region, residents say the impact has been severe, with agriculture halted, schools closed, and markets deserted. Many have relocated to safer towns, leaving once-thriving communities nearly empty.
Local security groups and community leaders have warned that the situation reflects a broader breakdown in safety and governance. They stressed that the continued absence of traditional rulers weakens coordination and reduces confidence among residents trying to return home.
Security analysts note that targeting traditional rulers signals a deeper erosion of authority, as such figures are historically seen as central to community stability. They have called for stronger intelligence gathering, better support for local security efforts, and urgent government intervention to restore order.
