10 abducted as bandits raze palace in Kwara community

In a coordinated midnight assault, suspected armed bandits attacked the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, setting fire to a portion of the Emir's palace and abducting 10 individuals, including family members of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Umar Seriki. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a "coordinated and desperate operation" that occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Monday.

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The Kwara State Police Command condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly and audacious attack carried out by suspected bandits in the early hours of today, 25/5/26, in Yashikira, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attackers simultaneously targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir's palace. While security operatives on duty successfully repelled the assault on the police station, the bandits managed to breach the palace, setting part of it ablaze and abducting ten people, who were taken to an unknown destination. The abducted individuals reportedly include three wives and four children of the Emir, along with other community members.

Following the brazen attack, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a comprehensive tactical operation. This operation involves a collaborative effort between the military, police, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders. The primary objectives are to secure the safe rescue of all abducted victims and to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

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The armed criminals, in a coordinated and desperate assault at about 0200hrs, simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira.

The police statement strongly condemned the "cowardly and audacious attack" and affirmed the command's determination to confront the "enemies of peace." Authorities have pledged to utilize all lawful operational assets and strategies to "smoke them out of hiding, dismantle their networks, rescue all abducted victims, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law."

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During the attack, part of the palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers arrived on motorcycles, firing sporadically as they advanced on the palace and surrounding areas between midnight and 2:00 a.m. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Kwara State, particularly in border communities vulnerable to banditry.

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The Command remains battle-ready and fully determined to confront these enemies of peace with every lawful operational asset and strategy at its disposal.