Emir Escapes as Gunmen Burn Palace, Abduct Women and Children in Kwara Community
Suspected bandits launched a coordinated overnight attack on Yashikira, a border community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting part of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women and children.
The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, also targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters, throwing the community into panic as residents fled their homes amid sustained gunfire.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the town in large numbers and simultaneously assaulted the police facility and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The sound of gunshots reportedly echoed across the area for several minutes, forcing many residents to seek refuge in nearby bushes.
During the invasion, the gunmen kidnapped about 10 people and whisked them away to an undisclosed location. Although the palace came under attack and suffered fire damage, the Emir was able to escape unharmed.
The incident has heightened security concerns in Baruten, a border council area that has experienced repeated security threats due to its challenging terrain and strategic location.
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Confirming the development, Chairman of Baruten Local Government Area, Issa Jubril, said the traditional ruler successfully escaped during the attack.
“The monarch was able to escape during the incident,” he said.
Jubril also acknowledged reports that some women and children linked to the palace were among those abducted but noted that authorities were still compiling details of the victims.
“Yes, some women and children were taken, but I cannot provide the exact number or identities at this time. Our Emir is safe, and normalcy has returned to the town. We promptly alerted the relevant security agencies, and they are handling the situation,” he added.
The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed the attack, describing it as a coordinated operation carried out by suspected bandits in the early hours of Monday.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi had ordered a comprehensive intelligence-led operation involving tactical police units, the military, forest guards and local vigilante groups to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
She stated that security presence had been strengthened in vulnerable communities across the state, while surveillance and bush-combing operations were ongoing to prevent further attacks and facilitate the safe rescue of those kidnapped.
Authorities said efforts were continuing to determine the exact number of victims and restore confidence among residents following the assault.
