Gunmen Abduct 10 from Emir’s Palace, Launch Attack on Police Station in Kwara
Security agencies begin coordinated rescue operation as armed assailants invade Yashikira community and set part of the emir’s palace ablaze
Ten people have been abducted from the Emir of Yashikira’s palace in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State after armed gunmen launched a coordinated overnight attack that also targeted the local police station. Security agencies have intensified operations to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 10 persons following a coordinated attack by armed gunmen on the Emir of Yashikira’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters in Baruten Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. when the attackers simultaneously targeted both locations.
During the assault, part of the emir’s palace was reportedly set on fire, while the attackers abducted 10 individuals and fled to an unknown destination.
The police, however, stated that officers on duty successfully repelled the attempted attack on the divisional headquarters, preventing further damage.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, directed the immediate launch of an intelligence-led security operation involving police personnel, military forces, forest guards, vigilante groups and other security agencies.
The operation is focused on combing surrounding forests and identified criminal hideouts to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those behind the attack.
Reacting to the development, Adekimi assured residents that security agencies remained committed to restoring peace and confronting criminal activities across the state.
He declared that the command would not be intimidated by armed groups, stressing that all available operational resources would be deployed to dismantle criminal networks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police also reassured residents of Yashikira and neighbouring communities in Kaiama Local Government Area that surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations had been intensified to prevent further attacks.
The latest incident comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Kwara State following a recent attack on worshippers during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area, where several people were killed and others abducted.
