Kidnappers in the North Central Nigerian state of Kwara have demanded a total of 450 million naira (£221,000; $282,000) for the release of a traditional ruler, his son, and eight other residents following a string of New Year’s Eve raids.
The abductors are seeking 150m naira for the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps. A further 300m naira has been demanded for eight people snatched from the nearby community of Adanla-Irese.
The incidents have sparked fresh fears over a surge in high-profile abductions across Kwara State.
A palace under siege
The attack on the Oniwo’s palace occurred at approximately 20:00 local time on 31 December. Witnesses described how about eight armed men stormed the residence in the Aafin community, shooting sporadically.
“When they noticed we were locking doors and switching off lights, they started shooting,” a family source told reporters. “They broke the door with their guns and forced their way in.”
During the chaos:
- The monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and is currently receiving hospital treatment.
- Local vigilantes were overwhelmed by the attackers’ superior firepower.
- The monarch and his son were led away into the bush.
‘Sorrow and tears’
The family says they have been left “traumatised” by the timing of the abduction. “We entered the new year with sorrow and tears,” a relative said, appealing to the government for urgent help.
The ransom demands were confirmed by the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, which noted that the kidnappers made contact on Friday afternoon.
Police advise against payment
While the families are desperate for the safe return of their loved ones, the Kwara State Police Command says it is not aware of any formal ransom demands.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi reiterated the government’s stance that paying ransoms only “emboldens criminal elements to intensify their nefarious activities.” She added that security agencies are working “round the clock” to rescue the victims.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent security challenge in many parts of Nigeria. In November 2025, another traditional ruler in the same local government area was held for weeks before being released following a ransom payment.
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