30 Kwara monarchs flee palaces amid rising kidnappings, violence

A growing wave of kidnappings and killings has forced dozens of traditional rulers in the southern part Kwara State to abandon their ancestral homes, leaving communities exposed and leadership structures dangerously weakened.

No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across the southern part of the state have fled their palaces in response to sustained violent attacks,according to Saturday PUNCH. The mass displacement highlights a worsening security crisis that has stripped many communities of their customary leadership and heightened fears among residents.

Credible community sources revealed that the affected monarchs have relocated to safer urban centres, including Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos, where security presence is stronger. While some rulers have been away for several months, others have remained in exile for nearly a year, underscoring the persistent nature of the threats in their domains.

Investigations show that the violence has affected a wide range of communities, including Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon. These areas, once considered relatively peaceful, have increasingly become hotspots for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Residents say the absence of traditional rulers has created a significant leadership vacuum, weakening local coordination and intensifying insecurity. Monarchs traditionally serve as key figures in conflict resolution, intelligence gathering, and community mobilization. Their sudden departure has disrupted these roles, leaving communities more vulnerable to attacks.

A community leader, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, described the situation as “unprecedented and alarming.” According to the source, many monarchs fled after receiving direct threats or witnessing nearby attacks, while some narrowly escaped abduction attempts.

Another source noted that the crisis has severely disrupted economic activities, with farmers and traders now operating under constant fear. Many residents have abandoned farmlands and remote markets, contributing to food shortages and rising economic hardship across the region.

Efforts by vigilante groups and security agencies have so far achieved limited success, as criminal elements continue to exploit porous borders and difficult terrain to carry out attacks. Community leaders have repeatedly called for increased security deployment and enhanced surveillance to restore safety.

Despite being in exile, some monarchs are said to maintain contact with their communities, offering guidance and support remotely. However, their physical absence remains a major setback, as traditional authority relies heavily on presence and accessibility.

The crisis has drawn concern from stakeholders, with renewed calls for urgent intervention by both state and federal authorities. Observers warn that if the situation persists, it could erode traditional institutions and further destabilize affected communities.

For now, the displaced monarchs remain uncertain about returning home, as insecurity continues to grip the region.