Midnight Attack Hits Yashikira Community
Suspected armed bandits attacked Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 10 residents and setting part of the Emir’s palace on fire during a midnight raid.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the attack happened around 2:00 a.m. on Monday. According to the police, the gunmen carried out a coordinated assault on both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Seriki.
Police officers on duty resisted the attack on the station and stopped the attackers from gaining control of the facility.
Victims Taken During Palace Invasion
The attackers stormed the palace during the raid and kidnapped 10 people before fleeing to an unknown location.
Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the attack as a desperate operation carried out by armed criminals.
She said part of the palace caught fire during the invasion, while security operatives responded quickly to protect the police division.
Residents in the community said the attackers fired gunshots into the air before moving deeper into the palace compound.
A source within the area disclosed that three wives of the Emir and four of his children were among those abducted.
The Emir was reportedly not inside the palace when the attack happened.
Eyewitnesses Recount Night of Terror
A resident who requested anonymity said the gunmen entered the town between midnight and 2:00 a.m.
He explained that the attackers moved through the community while shooting sporadically before reaching the palace.
Another eyewitness, Tukur Ahmed, said the armed men arrived on motorcycles and headed straight to the Emir’s residence.
According to him, they forced their way into the inner quarters where members of the royal family stayed.
He added that the attackers kidnapped several people, including women and children, before leaving the community.
Vehicles Burned, Property Destroyed
Sources also revealed that the gunmen set several vehicles inside the palace on fire before escaping.
The destruction caused major property losses estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The fire also damaged parts of the palace complex, worsening the impact of the attack on the community.
Security Agencies Launch Rescue Operation
Following the incident, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi ordered a large-scale security operation to rescue the victims and arrest those behind the attack.
The operation involves the military, police officers, forest guards, vigilantes, and other local security groups.
Police authorities said security teams have started bush-combing and surveillance operations across nearby areas.
The command also assured residents that officers remain fully prepared to track down the criminals and restore peace.
Rising Banditry Raises Concern in Kwara North
The attack has renewed concerns over growing insecurity in Kwara North.
In recent months, several rural communities, highways, and traditional institutions in Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, and Patigi local government areas have faced repeated attacks linked to banditry.
Residents continue to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and property in the region.
