BANDITS launched a coordinated midnight assault on Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, targeting both the police divisional headquarters and the palace of the Emir, parts of which were set ablaze during the violent invasion.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attack plunged residents into panic and sent shockwaves through the traditional institution, with fears spreading rapidly across the border community.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2:00am on Monday when the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, striking simultaneously at the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir of Yashikira’s palace.
Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants operated for several minutes under heavy gunfire, creating chaos and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety as sporadic shots echoed across the community.
During the raid, about ten persons were abducted and taken to an unknown destination by the gunmen, further deepening the sense of fear and uncertainty in the area.
However, the Emir of Yashikira was said to have escaped the attack unharmed, even though confusion briefly engulfed the palace during the invasion.
The assault has intensified insecurity concerns in Baruten LGA, a border area repeatedly exposed to attacks due to its difficult terrain and proximity to interstate routes often exploited by armed groups.
Local authorities confirmed that women and children were among those affected, although exact figures were still being compiled at the time of filing this report.
Speaking on the incident, the Baruten Local Government Chairman, Issa Jubril, confirmed that “the monarch was able to escape during the incident.”
When asked whether women and children from the palace were also abducted, he responded: “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 efforts to alert the relevant security agencies and they are on top of the situation.”
Confirming the attack, the Kwara State Police Command said suspected bandits carried out the operation 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 response involving police tactical units, the military, forest guards, and vigilante groups to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers.
The Command further assured that security deployment has been reinforced across vulnerable communities in the state.
It added that surveillance and bush-combing operations are ongoing to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those abducted.