Kwara under fresh attack: Monarch’s wife, two others abducted as bandits strike twice

Kwara State has recorded a fresh wave of kidnapping incidents, with the wife of a traditional ruler reportedly abducted alongside two other residents in separate attacks in Edu Local Government Area within 24 hours.

In the first incident, suspected terrorists reportedly stormed a community in Kwara on Friday night, August 21, 2026, and abducted the wife of a traditional ruler. The attackers were said to have demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for her release.

According to a report by Afrika Eyes, the abductors allegedly used the TikTok account of another kidnap victim to post information about the abduction and communicate their ransom demand.

The identity of the abducted woman and the traditional ruler was not immediately disclosed. However, the incident has reportedly heightened tension in the affected community amid growing concerns over persistent attacks and kidnappings across parts of the state.

Meanwhile, another bandit attack was reported in Wodata Rumallan, also known as Gidan Panu, in Edu Local Government Area, where two residents were reportedly kidnapped.

A community leader who spoke to NupekoTV correspondent Idris Mohammed Shaaba identified the victims as a child, Rukayat, and her stepmother, Hazare, who have reportedly been missing since the attack.

According to the source, the bandits fired sporadically during the attack, sending residents into panic before soldiers reportedly arrived in the community about an hour later.

The Edu attack occurred less than 24 hours after another reported bandit attack in the same local government area, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the area.

The latest incidents add to growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara, particularly in communities where armed groups have continued to target residents for ransom. The attacks have also renewed concerns about the safety of traditional institutions and vulnerable residents in affected communities.

Further details, including the identities of those behind the attacks, the current whereabouts of the kidnapped victims and the outcome of ongoing security efforts, remain unclear as reports continue to be verified.