Bandits invaded the palace of the monarch of Adanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on the evening of Friday, December 26, 2025, abducting seven members of the royal family and injuring two others. The attack occurred at about 6:30pm at the palace of His Royal Majesty Oba David Adedumoye, the Elerin of Adanla Irese in Igbaja District, according to the coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Mr Olaitan Oyin-Zubair. The assailants ransacked the palace, seized personal items and ceremonial pots, and made their way into nearby bushland before security teams could respond.
Background to the incident indicates that the bandits, numbering approximately 20, marched into the community without vehicles and penetrated the palace compound where they looted and abducted residents. Palace security was absent at the time of the assault. The victims’ whereabouts remain unknown as of the end of December 2025, and the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N300 million through direct contact with the monarch.
The monarch was not present during the attack, having travelled to Ilorin earlier in the day. Witnesses reported that the bandits specifically sought the monarch and his queen but, not finding them, apprehended other family members. The group also seized food items meant for a subsequent ceremony occurring during the festive period.
Military personnel and local vigilante groups were deployed after the distress calls but arrived after the assailants had retreated. Oyin-Zubair said joint security teams have been combing the bush in search of the suspects, but no arrests have been reported. Previous kidnappings in the area included the abduction of a local charcoal seller from Oniyangi farms, who was released after a N5 million ransom following about a month in captivity.
Security analysts note the geographical challenges in Kwara South, particularly in Irepodun and Ifelodun, where hills and thick forests provide cover for armed groups. Oyin-Zubair suggested enhanced military support including potential air force operations to flush out bandit hideouts, in collaboration with local vigilantes familiar with the terrain.
The attack in Adanla forms part of a broader pattern of violent kidnappings in Kwara State, intensifying concerns over rural insecurity. Recent reports indicate multiple abducted victims in neighbouring communities and significant ransom demands for traditional leaders and residents, highlighting ongoing security challenges for authorities.
Authorities have not released further official statements on progress in rescuing the victims or apprehending the perpetrators. Local calls continue for strengthened coordination between organised security forces and community-based groups to mitigate future attacks.
