More than 30 traditional rulers in Kwara South have abandoned or significantly reduced their presence in their palaces due to escalating insecurity between April and May 2026. The affected monarchs are from communities including Oreke, Afin, Omugo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Owa Onire, Oro Ago, Igbo Agbon, Olayinka and Oke Oyan. Armed attacks, kidnappings and killings have intensified in rural areas, particularly in Ifelodun Local Government Area and settlements near forest corridors bordering Kogi and Niger States. Residents report sightings of armed men moving at night, unauthorised motorcycle movements and gunshots disrupting daily life.
Fear has disrupted economic activity, with farmers abandoning farmlands and transport operators scaling back services due to ambush risks. Markets have grown quieter, children are no longer allowed to travel long distances to school, and many families have been displaced. Traditional rulers, once seen as pillars of stability, are now perceived as vulnerable. Some monarchs have relocated to Ilorin, Offa, Osogbo and Lagos, leaving palace duties to caretakers. One abduction involved attackers demanding over ₦30 million in ransom before releasing the victim.
In April 2026, police announced the arrest of a 33-member gang linked to multiple kidnappings and church abductions across Kwara and Kogi States. Despite this, residents say authorities responded slowly to repeated warnings about growing threats. Images of deserted palaces and abandoned farms have become common, symbolising the breakdown of rural security. The prolonged crisis risks long-term damage to local culture, agriculture and community survival.
Akpabio enforces an eight-year rule that would have blocked his own promotion. He now leads a ministry where tenure limits apply to others but not to him. The rule applies only to those below him. This creates a clear double standard in federal appointments.
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