Bandits storm Kwara community, burn Emir’s palace, abduct residents

Suspected bandits on Sunday night invaded Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women, children and some of the Emir’s wives.

Residents told Very Nigerian that the heavily armed attackers stormed the border community late at night, firing sporadically before launching the assault on the palace and nearby homes.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers operated for hours without resistance, causing panic as many residents fled into nearby bushes for safety.

Sources in the community said several people were whisked away during the attack, while properties and houses were also destroyed by fire.

Yashikira, a border town in Baruten Local Government Area, has reportedly faced repeated security threats due to its proximity to neighbouring communities and border routes often exploited by criminal groups.

Sources said the assailants overpowered local vigilantes and operated for hours without resistance as terrified residents fled into nearby bushes for safety.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen first attacked the palace, where they reportedly set parts of the building on fire before whisking away multiple victims.

“Bandits invaded Yashikira in the night. They set the palace on fire and kidnapped women and children, including the Emir’s wives,” a resident told Very Nigerian.

Another source said the attack threw the entire community into confusion as families searched for missing relatives after the assailants left the area.

“The attackers came in large numbers with sophisticated weapons. People were running in different directions. Many residents escaped into the bush while the bandits carried away several persons,” the source said.

Residents lamented the growing insecurity in the area, alleging that communities in Baruten LGA have repeatedly suffered attacks from armed groups due to the porous border routes around the region.

They also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings over increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted victims had yet to be confirmed, while authorities had not released an official statement regarding the incident.

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