By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There was fea and confusion in Ile Ere community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday evening following the abduction of the traditional ruler, HRH Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu.
Olaolu is said to be a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm when armed men stormed the royal palace. Witnesses said the attackers fired shots into the air before forcing their way into the palace.
A family source said the gunmen went straight to the inner chambers of the palace, where they seized the monarch and his son during the operation.
According to the source, suspicious movements were noticed around the palace earlier in the evening, prompting occupants to lock doors and switch off lights. However, the attackers opened fire after realising they had been detected.
The source added that the gunmen demanded to see the Kabiyesi and his wife. The monarch later came out, while his wife, Olori Felicia Olaonipekun, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to her arm during the incident.
There was tension and confusion in Ile Ere community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday evening following the abduction of the traditional ruler, HRH Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu.
Olaolu is said to be a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm when armed men stormed the royal palace. Witnesses said the attackers fired shots into the air before forcing their way into the palace.
A family source said the gunmen went straight to the inner chambers of the palace, where they seized the monarch and his son during the operation.
According to the source, suspicious movements were noticed around the palace earlier in the evening, prompting occupants to lock doors and switch off lights. However, the attackers opened fire after realising they had been detected.
The source added that the gunmen demanded to see the Kabiyesi and his wife. The monarch later came out, while his wife, Olori Felicia Olaonipekun, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to her arm during the incident.
Olaolu was later captured after emerging from where he was hiding. The injured queen was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention after the attackers left the palace.
It was also gathered that the local vigilante group could not prevent the attack as only two members were on duty at the time and were overpowered by the gunmen.
The incident was reported to nearby police divisions and local security outfits, while neighbouring traditional rulers were also informed.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no contact from the abductors. Residents of the community have appealed to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the monarch and his son.
Efforts to get comments from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful as at press time.
