Suspected terrorists have invaded Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting parts of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women and children, in a fresh wave of attacks in the state, Peak Newspaper reports.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday when heavily armed assailants stormed the community, firing sporadically before advancing on the palace and nearby homes.
Sources in the area told Peak Newspaper that the attackers operated for hours, causing panic as terrified residents fled into surrounding bushes for safety.
According to reports, the gunmen abducted about 10 persons during the assault, including some wives and children of the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Seriki. The attackers were also said to have set vehicles and parts of the palace on fire before escaping into nearby forests.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a coordinated attack targeting both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace at about 2 a.m. Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said operatives on duty successfully repelled the attack on the police station, while security agencies have launched a full-scale rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has reportedly ordered joint tactical operations involving the police, military, forest guards and local vigilantes to comb surrounding forests and dismantle criminal hideouts linked to the attackers.
