Gunmen have abducted 10 people after launching a coordinated overnight attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in Kwara State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday in Yashikira community, located in Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the attackers struck around 2 a.m., targeting both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace simultaneously.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the assailants set part of the palace ablaze during the operation before abducting 10 persons and taking them to an unknown destination.
She added that police officers on duty successfully repelled the attack on the divisional headquarters.
“The armed criminals, in a coordinated and desperate assault, simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira,” the statement said.
“During the attack, part of the palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale security operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
The police said the operation involves collaboration with the military, vigilantes and forest guards, alongside intensified surveillance and bush-combing exercises across vulnerable communities.
Authorities assured residents that security presence has been strengthened in affected areas to prevent further attacks.
The police commissioner vowed that security agencies would relentlessly pursue the gunmen and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Nigeria.
