Terrorists attack Kwara community, burnt the emir’s palace and abducted several residents, including women and children.
- +Terrorists Invade Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Emir’s Wife, Women, Children
Terrorists have reportedly invaded Yashikira, an ancient community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting the emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including the emir’s wife, women and children.
Terrorists have reportedly invaded Yashikira, an ancient community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting the emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including the emir’s wife, women and children.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, just days before the Eid el-Kabir celebrations.
According to sources, about 15 armed men stormed the community, firing sporadically before attacking the palace and nearby homes.
Residents said the attackers overpowered local vigilantes and operated for hours while frightened villagers fled into surrounding bushes for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen first targeted the emir’s palace, where parts of the building were reportedly set on fire before victims were abducted.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants carried away several women and children, including wives of the emir.
“The suspected bandits invaded Yashikira in the night. They set the palace on fire and kidnapped women and children, including the emir’s wives,” the source said.
Another resident described the attack as terrifying, noting that many families were still searching for missing relatives after the gunmen left the area.
“The attackers came in large numbers with sophisticated weapons. People were running in different directions. Many residents escaped into the bush while the bandits carried away several persons,” the source added.
Some residents blamed the recurring attacks on the porous border routes around Baruten Local Government Area, alleging that armed groups frequently infiltrate communities in the area.
They also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings about increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.
A senior police officer at the Baruten Divisional Police Headquarters in Kosubosu, who confirmed the incident, said security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers.
“We have sent signal to the state police headquarters in Ilorin and we have commenced manhunt of the suspected bandits,” the officer said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those abducted.
