Bandits Torch Emir’s Palace, Attack Police Station in Kwara, Abduct 10 Residents

Suspected bandits have launched another violent attack in Kwara State, invading Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, setting parts of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting about 10 residents during a coordinated midnight assault.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, also targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters, forcing security operatives into a prolonged gun battle with the attackers. Residents said the gunmen stormed the border community heavily armed, firing sporadically and causing widespread panic.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants first advanced toward the palace of the Emir of Yashikira before attacking nearby police facilities. Parts of the palace were reportedly burnt during the invasion, while several women, children and other residents were whisked away by the gunmen.

A resident who spoke anonymously described the attack as terrifying, saying gunshots echoed across the town for several hours as villagers fled for safety. The source added that many residents were caught unprepared because the attackers struck under the cover of darkness.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers simultaneously assaulted the police divisional headquarters and the Emir’s palace around 2:00 a.m. Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that security operatives engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire, preventing what authorities described as a more devastating outcome.

Security sources said military personnel and police tactical teams have since launched rescue operations across the area to secure the release of the abducted victims and track down the fleeing attackers. Security operatives were also said to have established strategic cordons around parts of the community and adjoining routes.

Some reports indicated that among those abducted were relatives and close associates of the Emir, including women and children, though authorities were yet to release a comprehensive list of victims as of press time.

The latest attack has heightened fears among residents of Kwara North and other border communities following a recent wave of violent incidents linked to armed groups operating around forest corridors connecting Kwara, Niger and neighbouring Benin Republic. The Yashikira assault came barely hours after gunmen attacked a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, killing three worshippers and abducting several others during a vigil gathering.

Community leaders have called for stronger military presence and sustained surveillance operations in vulnerable rural settlements, warning that repeated attacks could worsen insecurity and displacement across the region.