Inside Kwara Palace Raid: How Bandits Stormed Adanla, Abducted Monarch’s Seven Family Members — Vigilante Boss

A vigilante leader in Kwara State has given a detailed account of how armed bandits brazenly invaded a traditional ruler’s palace in Adanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, and abducted seven members of the royal household.
Speaking with BIODUN BUSARI, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Mr.

Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, recounted how the attackers operated unhindered during the Boxing Day assault on the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba David Adedumoye, the Elerin of Adanla Irese, in the Igbaja District.
According to Oyin-Zubair, the incident occurred at about 6:30 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, when roughly 20 armed bandits entered Adanla community and headed straight for the monarch’s palace. He said the assailants spent close to an hour inside the palace, freely ransacking the premises without encountering any form of security resistance.
“They abducted members of the royal family and made away with mobile phones and other valuables,” he said. “Because it was the festive season, they also seized food items and even carried away cooking pots that had been used for Christmas Day ceremonies, as another event was planned for the following day.”
Seven abducted, ransom demanded
Oyin-Zubair disclosed that seven people were kidnapped, while two others sustained injuries during the invasion. As of December 31, 2025, the victims’ whereabouts remained unknown. He added that the kidnappers later contacted the monarch directly, demanding a ₦300 million ransom.
Contrary to speculation, the vigilante coordinator said the bandits did not arrive in vehicles.
“They trekked into the community and walked boldly into the palace. Nobody saw them with any vehicle,” he stated.
Monarch absent during attack
The traditional ruler was not in the palace at the time of the incident. Oyin-Zubair explained that Oba Adedumoye had travelled to Ilorin earlier that day.
“Eyewitnesses said the bandits were asking for the king and his queen when they arrived. He was around on Christmas Day, but left on Boxing Day and returned later in the evening. He had left the palace around 4 pm, and the attack happened about two and a half hours later,” he said.
By the time soldiers and local vigilantes arrived, the attackers had already fled. Since then, security teams have continued to comb surrounding forests, but no arrests have been made.
Suspicion of insider involvement
Oyin-Zubair described the incident as suspicious, suggesting possible insider collaboration.
“One of the bandits appeared to know specific people to abduct and others to leave behind. He was giving instructions and asking specifically for ‘Kabiyesi’ and ‘Olori’. He wore a mask, unlike the others, and spoke both Yoruba and Fulani, though his Yoruba was not fluent,” he said.
He added that more than ten bandits participated, with some stationed outside while others carried out the operation inside the palace.
Security challenges and solutions
On broader security concerns, the vigilante leader acknowledged ongoing government efforts, including the deployment of soldiers, training of forest guards, and collaboration with local vigilantes. However, he noted that kidnapping remains a persistent challenge in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
He expressed optimism that the dry season, combined with air force support and targeted airstrikes on bandit hideouts, could significantly weaken criminal gangs, especially when supported by local vigilantes who understand the terrain.
Community profile and call for collaboration
Describing Adanla as a peaceful, agrarian community, Oyin-Zubair said residents are hardworking and largely law-abiding, despite many living outside the area.
He called on the government to sustain support for local vigilantes, stressing that they are volunteers motivated by the safety of their communities rather than financial gain.
While he expressed reservations about the creation of state police due to potential political interference, he advocated for regional security outfits similar to Amotekun in the South-West, which he said has recorded better results.
“The government should continue to empower local vigilantes and work closely with organised security agencies,” he said. “With the right support, this menace can be curbed.”