Armed terrorists have invaded Igbesi, a community within Oke Onigbin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting the Oba Onigbesi of Igbesi Land and several other residents.
The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday when the armed attackers stormed the community and launched a fierce operation, throwing residents into panic before fleeing with the victims.
Sources familiar with the incident told Chronicles Reporters that the monarch, identified as the Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, was among those abducted during the attack.
One of the sources said the monarch was taken away by the attackers and whisked into an unknown bush.
“Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi Land has been kidnapped by armed bandits and whisked away to an unknown bush,” the source said.
Another source confirmed that the attackers invaded the community on Saturday and successfully abducted the monarch along with other residents.
“Bandits stormed the community yesterday (Saturday) in a fierce attack and successfully laid hands on the monarch,” the source said.
The exact number of residents abducted during the attack remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
It was also not immediately established whether the abductors had contacted the families of the victims or made any ransom demands.
The latest incident has intensified concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Kwara State, particularly communities in Kwara South that have increasingly faced attacks by suspected bandits, kidnappers and other armed groups.
Igbesi is a community within Oke Onigbin town in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara South.
The abduction of the monarch comes only days after another reported kidnapping in Dabu community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Earlier, reports indicated that suspected bandits had abducted a woman identified as Iya Ayoka, the first wife of the Baale, or community head, of Dabu.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night, August 21, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the community and abducted the monarch’s wife.
The development reportedly heightened fear among residents, with sources expressing concern that armed groups were increasingly targeting vulnerable communities across parts of Kwara South.
In another disturbing case linked to the worsening kidnapping situation, abductors were reportedly using the TikTok account of a kidnapped 23-year-old woman, identified as Babatunde Fasilat, to make posts and communicate with members of the public.
Fasilat was reportedly abducted on July 26, 2026, after suspected bandits invaded her family home in Wande community.
According to sources familiar with the incident, four armed attackers stormed the family’s residence during the operation.
A source alleged that Fasilat’s father attempted to defend the family but was shot by the attackers.
“Her father was shot and the bullet penetrated the other side of his body. The bandits were four. While her father was trying to defend himself, they went to her room and kidnapped her,” the source said.
The abductors were subsequently said to have demanded ₦20 million as ransom for Fasilat’s release.
The series of attacks has raised fresh concerns among residents and community leaders over the safety of people living in rural communities across Kwara South.
The latest abduction of the Onigbesi monarch has further heightened anxiety, particularly as traditional rulers and community leaders are often regarded as key figures in maintaining local stability and security.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Kwara State Government or security agencies confirming the abduction, the number of victims or the whereabouts of the monarch and other residents reportedly taken away by the attackers.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor developments as efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of all those abducted continue.