Terror strikes Kwara again as gunmen abduct 10 in fresh raid

Suspected armed men have attacked Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 10 persons and setting part of the Emir’s palace ablaze.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, days after the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State triggered fresh concern over the spread of kidnapping attacks.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the gunmen launched a coordinated attack on both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira.

Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attackers struck at about 2:00 a.m.

According to the command, the gunmen set part of the palace on fire before abducting 10 persons and taking them to an unknown destination.

The police said the attackers also attempted to overrun the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters but were repelled by operatives on duty.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale tactical operation to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those behind the attack.

The operation will involve the police, military, forest guards, vigilantes and other security agencies.

The command said surveillance, intelligence gathering and bush-combing operations had been intensified across vulnerable areas in Baruten Local Government Area.

The latest attack comes amid growing national concern over kidnapping incidents, especially after last week’s attack on schools in Oyo State.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had confirmed that teachers were abducted during the school attack, while security agencies continued efforts to determine the exact number of missing pupils.

The Kwara attack has further heightened fears over the security of border communities and traditional institutions.