Suspected bandits have abducted the King of Igbesi, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch was reportedly kidnapped when armed men invaded Igbesi community at about 11 p.m. on Saturday. While a palace source said the traditional ruler was abducted alongside other residents, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed that only the monarch was taken.

The incident came amid renewed concerns over insecurity in Kwara South, where communities have continued to experience kidnappings and armed attacks.

In a separate incident, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Government Area, identified as Iya Ayoka, was also reportedly abducted on Friday night.

Meanwhile, kidnappers have demanded N20 million for the release of 23-year-old Fasilat Babatunde, who was abducted from Wande community on July 15.

The Kwara South Development Forum urged the Federal and state governments to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.

The development also prompted a call from Sokoto State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), for political, traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents, to unite against insecurity and support security agencies with credible information.