- 30 Kwara traditional rulers have fled their palaces.
- Rising kidnappings in Kwara forced many to relocate.
- Several communities are now without royal leadership.
- Farms, schools and markets have been badly affected.
Fresh fear has gripped communities in Kwara State after no fewer than 30 traditional rulers reportedly abandoned their palaces due to rising kidnappings in Kwara and repeated violent attacks by armed gangs.
No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across the southern part of Kwara State have reportedly fled their palaces as insecurity continues to spread across the region.
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The affected monarchs were said to have relocated to safer cities including Ilorin, Offa, Osogbo and Lagos, following repeated cases of kidnapping, killings and attacks on their communities.
Sources said some of the communities affected include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo and Igbo Agbon.
While some rulers have stayed away for months, others have reportedly not returned to their domains for almost a year.
Residents say the growing kidnappings in Kwara have created fear among traditional rulers, many of whom now avoid sleeping in their palaces.
A resident of Omugo, Wale Olasunkanmi, said the crisis has changed community life completely.
He said, “In the past, our traditional rulers were always around. They lived among us and provided leadership during crises. But now, they don’t stay here anymore.”
According to him, attacks became more serious after gunmen stormed a church in March 2026 and abducted several worshippers.
In Oreke and nearby communities, residents said many homes have been abandoned since last year after repeated bandit attacks.
A palace worker, Samuel Afolayan, described the situation as heartbreaking.
He said, “The king is not there, the palace is empty, and the entire community is deserted.”
The insecurity has also affected farming and local businesses, with many farmers afraid to return to their lands.
A trader from Oro-Ago, Bose Adeyemi, said she had to move to Ilorin for safety.
She said, “Nobody wants to farm anymore because it is too dangerous.”
Community leaders are now calling on the government and security agencies to take urgent action before more towns are completely deserted.
Many residents believe restoring security is the only way traditional rulers can safely return to their palaces.
