Terrorists have launched a coordinated midnight assault on Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, targeting both a police divisional headquarters and the palace of the Emir, which was partially set ablaze.
The attack left residents in panic and shook the traditional institution.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2:00 am on Monday.
The attackers stormed the community in large numbers, striking simultaneously at the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir of Yashikira Palace.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants operated for several minutes under heavy gunfire, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety as the sound of sporadic shooting echoed across the community.
During the raid, about ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination by the armed group.
However, the Emir of Yashikira was said to have escaped the attack unharmed, even as confusion spread briefly within the palace during the invasion.
The attack has deepened fears in Baruten LGA, a border area that has repeatedly come under pressure from armed groups exploiting its difficult terrain and proximity to inter-state routes.
Local authorities confirmed that some women and children were among those affected, though exact figures were still being compiled as of press time.
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Speaking on the incident, the Baruten local government chairman, Issa Jubril, said: “The monarch was able to escape during the incident”.
Queried that some women and children from the Palace were also abducted, Issa said, “Yes, but I will not be able to give you the exact figures and identities of the victims now.
“But our Emir is safe, and the town is calm now. We immediately put in a lot of effort to alert the relevant security agencies and they are on top of the situation”, he said.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said the attack was carried out by suspected bandits who operated in a coordinated manner during the early hours of the day.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale intelligence-driven operation involving police tactical units, the military, forest guards, and vigilante groups to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers.
The Command also assured that security deployment has been reinforced across vulnerable communities in the state.
She added that surveillance and bush-combing operations are ongoing to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
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