Owa-Onire Monarch, villagers flee town over kidnappers’ constant attack

Residents of Owa-Onire community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly abandoned their homes and sought refuge in safer locations following persistent attacks from suspected kidnappers operating within the area.

The traditional ruler of the town, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, was among those said to have fled the community as fear and uncertainty gripped residents over the worsening security situation.

Sources within the community disclosed that the activities of armed criminal elements had intensified in recent weeks, creating an atmosphere of panic among villagers who now live in constant fear of abduction.

The development has forced many families to leave their ancestral homes, while economic and social activities in the town have been brought to a standstill.

He said his decision followed repeated att@cks by armed groups, including a violent raid on his palace on December 31, 2025. According to him, “Eight terrorists broke the gates and doors of my palace on December 31, 2025.

“They collected my phone and that of my Olori and some money I had with me at g¥npoint. But they didn’t order me to follow them. Though they later went away with two of my palace aides.”Oba Fabiyi also recalled a previous k+dn@pping where he was held for seven days before being released after ₦5 million ransom was paid by members of his community. “I guess that was why they didn’t ask me to follow them at g¥npoint on December 31, 2025,” he said.

He stressed that he would not return to his palace unless adequate security is provided, lamenting the absence of a police station and weak security presence in the area.

He added that despite being away, he continues to perform his traditional duties remotely, while insecurity also affects neighbouring communities.

The situation has reportedly affected farming activities, which serve as the major source of livelihood for many residents. Farmers have abandoned their farmlands, while traders and artisans have also suspended their businesses due to fears of possible attacks.

Although security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and confidence in the community, sustained surveillance of forests is believed to serve as hideouts for criminal elements. Community leaders expressed worries that prolonged displacement of residents could worsen economic hardship and negatively impact development efforts in the area.

However, residents remain hopeful that swift action by the government and security agencies will help restore normalcy and enable displaced villagers to return to their homes safely.

The latest development underscores the growing security concerns in some rural communities across the country, where incidents of kidnapping and related crimes continue to pose significant challenges to peace, economic activities and the well-being of residents.