By: Daure David
In a dramatic twist that has stunned residents of Kwara State and reverberated across Nigeria, two traditional rulers the King of Alabe and the King of Babanla have been arrested in connection with a sprawling banditry and kidnapping network that has plagued the region for years.
Security operatives, acting on intelligence reports, stormed the palace of the King of Alabe earlier this week. What they uncovered was staggering: over ₦90 million in cash hidden within the palace walls, and an additional ₦30 million traced to the personal account of the Queen. The total haul of ₦120 million is believed to be proceeds from criminal activities, including ransom payments from kidnappings that have terrorized communities in Kwara’s Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The royal couple was immediately taken into custody for interrogation, with sources confirming that the funds are directly linked to recent waves of abductions and bandit attacks in the region. The arrest marks a turning point in the state’s fight against insecurity, as it exposes the alleged complicity of high-ranking community leaders once thought to be protectors of the people.
In a related operation, the King of Babanla and his queens were also arrested following mounting evidence of their involvement in similar criminal activities. The arrests come on the heels of intensified security crackdowns in Babasango and surrounding areas, where dozens of kidnap victims were recently freed and several bandits neutralized.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accompanied by top security chiefs, visited Babanla to reassure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and order. “We will ensure this doesn’t happen again,” the governor said, pledging full support for victims and promising to flush out criminal elements from the state.
For years, public discourse has often blamed Fulani herders for the rising tide of insecurity. However, this scandal has shifted the narrative, revealing how some revered traditional leaders may have been orchestrating the very violence they publicly condemned. Community members have expressed shock and outrage, demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation.
As the probe deepens, the Kwara State government has vowed to leave no stone unturned. The revelations have sparked national conversations about the role of traditional institutions in modern governance and the urgent need for accountability, regardless of status or title.
This scandal not only exposes the rot within certain royal circles but also serves as a wake-up call for communities across Nigeria: the enemy may not always come from outside it may be seated within the palace gates.
