Bandits Burn Emir’s Palace, Kidnap Residents in Kwara Community Attack
Suspected bandits invaded Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting residents, including women, children and wives of the traditional ruler.
Residents told SaharaReporters that the armed attackers stormed the border community on Sunday night, shooting sporadically as they launched the assault on the palace and surrounding homes.
Sources said the gunmen overpowered local vigilantes and operated for hours without resistance while residents fled into nearby bushes.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers first targeted the Emir’s palace before setting parts of the building on fire and abducting several persons.
“Bandits invaded Yashikira in the night. They set the palace on fire and kidnapped women and children, including the Emir’s wives,” a resident said.
Another source said the attack threw the community into panic as families searched for missing relatives after the attackers left.
“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 worsening insecurity in the area, saying communities in Baruten LGA have continued to suffer repeated attacks due to porous border routes.
They also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings about rising bandit activities in nearby villages.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of abducted persons had not been confirmed, while authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
