Kwara: Gunmen invade Monarch’s Palace, Kill Residents, abduct others

Gunmen have once again attacked Shagbe community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing some residents and abducting several others during an invasion of the palace of the community’s monarch.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, left the community in shock as the assailants reportedly operated for hours without any resistance.

A source told SaharaReporters that repeated calls were made to security operatives during the attack, but no response came.

The source explained that the bandits stormed the community and moved straight to the palace.

According to the source, people were killed and others taken away. For hours, they kept calling security agencies, but there was no intervention.

The source said, "Bandits in large numbers stormed the community and forced their way into the palace of the Onishagbe of Shagbe, targeting the monarch or members of his household. However, their plans did not succeed.

"They killed some residents, abducted others, and operated for hours without any response from security forces despite repeated distress calls. The Kwara State government has since said it is on top of the situation.”

Meanwhile, the number of casualties and abducted residents could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing this report.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in rural communities where residents have repeatedly lamented slow security response to violent crimes.

On August 24, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of improved security, suspected bandits abducted two people in the area.

The governor visited the area to reassure residents and restore a sense of security amid ongoing fears of banditry and kidnappings.

However, the criminals struck soon after his departure, highlighting the persistent threat and heightening tension in the community.

The incident reportedly threw residents into fresh panic despite earlier promises of tighter security measures.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s visit was aimed at boosting morale and addressing the fears of residents who have faced recurring banditry and kidnapping attacks in recent months.

Saharareporters