Suspected bandits on Monday night invaded Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting three wives and four children of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Umar Seriki, after attacking the emir’s palace and a police station.
The gunmen, said to have arrived on motorcycles in the early hours of Monday, reportedly shot sporadically into the air, overpowered local security operatives and forcefully entered the palace.
Residents said the attackers whisked away members of the emir’s household alongside some other residents before setting parts of the palace and vehicles ablaze.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said panic gripped the community as people ran for safety during the attack.
“Three wives of the emir and four children were abducted. Many people fled in different directions because of the gunshots,” the source said.
Another resident, Tukur Ahmed, said the bandits stormed the palace directly after entering the town.
“They came on motorcycles, shooting into the air. They broke into the inner quarters and took the emir’s wives and children before burning vehicles and fleeing,” he said.
It was gathered that the emir was away from the palace when the incident occurred.
Confirming the attack, the Kwara State Police Command said about 10 persons were abducted during the coordinated assault on the palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.
Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attack on the police station was successfully repelled by officers on duty.
“The armed criminals simultaneously attacked the police divisional headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira at about 2:00am. Part of the palace was set ablaze while 10 persons were abducted,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale operation involving the police, military, vigilantes and forest guards to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.
Security operatives have since launched a manhunt in nearby forests and suspected hideouts.
