Gunmen Abduct 10 from Emir’s Palace in Kwara

Suspected gunmen have abducted 10 persons from the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, less than 48 hours after a deadly attack on worshippers in Ekiti LGA of the state.

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed men reportedly launched coordinated attacks on both the Yashikira Emir’s palace and the divisional police headquarters in the area.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the attackers struck around 2 a.m., setting part of the emir’s palace ablaze and abducting 10 individuals to an unknown location.

The police, however, said officers on duty successfully repelled the assault on the police station.

The statement described the incident as a coordinated and desperate attack by armed criminals targeting both security operatives and the traditional institution.

In response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, has directed an intelligence-led security operation involving the police, military personnel, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders to comb nearby forests and suspected hideouts in a bid to rescue the abducted victims.

Adekimi assured residents that security agencies are intensifying operations across vulnerable communities, stressing that the police would not surrender to intimidation or terror by criminal groups operating in the state.

He vowed that security forces would deploy all lawful resources available to track down the attackers, dismantle their networks, and ensure justice is served.

The police command also reassured residents of Yashikira, Baruten LGA, and other parts of the state that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aggressive bush-combing operations are ongoing.

The attack comes amid growing insecurity concerns in parts of the south-west region.

On May 16, gunmen riding motorcycles reportedly invaded communities in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso, abducting students and school staff from several schools. The incident also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, identified as Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, triggering widespread outrage.