Amanze Chinonye
Suspected armed bandits have attacked Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, setting parts of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting 10 residents in a coordinated overnight assault.
The Kwara State Police Command condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly and audacious” operation carried out in the early hours of Monday at about 2:00 a.m., when armed criminals simultaneously targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira.
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According to the police statement, the attackers operated in a coordinated manner during the assault, during which part of the Emir’s palace was set on fire. Ten persons were abducted and taken to an unknown destination. However, police confirmed that the attack on the divisional headquarters was successfully repelled by operatives on duty.
Residents said the gunmen moved through the community while firing sporadically, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes for safety. Several homes were also reportedly sprayed with bullets, while parts of the palace and vehicles within the area were destroyed.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, immediately ordered a full-scale, intelligence-driven tactical operation involving the police, military, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders to comb surrounding forests and suspected hideouts. The aim, according to the Command, is to rescue the abducted victims unhurt and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Command also reaffirmed its resolve to intensify operations across vulnerable communities in the state, stating that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and bush-combing exercises have been strengthened.
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In a strongly worded statement, CP Adekimi vowed that the Command would not bow to threats or intimidation from criminal elements, insisting that security forces remain fully prepared to confront those responsible. He said the attackers would be relentlessly pursued, their networks dismantled, and all abducted victims rescued.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Command remains “battle-ready and fully determined” to restore peace and security across Kwara State.
As of the latest update, no deaths have been confirmed, though the attack left significant destruction and forced many residents to flee their homes.
The incident adds to growing concerns over repeated bandit attacks in parts of Kwara State’s border communities, where rural settlements have increasingly come under armed incursions in recent months.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
