Yashikira, Kwara State — A coordinated late-night assault by an armed gang on the Yashikira Emir’s palace in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State has resulted in the abduction of ten individuals. The incident comes on the heels of a previous fatal kidnapping encounter within the state.

According to statements from the Kwara State Police Command, the criminal operation commenced at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday. The perpetrators launched a simultaneous, two-pronged assault targeting both the local palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.

Police Public Relations Officer Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that while law enforcement successfully defended the police station and drove back the attackers, the assailants managed to breach the royal residence. During the chaotic raid, a section of the palace was set on fire before the gunmen fled into hiding with ten captives.

Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation

In response to the breach, Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi directed an immediate, intelligence-led counter-operation. A joint task force comprising police operatives, military personnel, local vigilantes, and forest guards has been deployed to comb nearby wilderness areas and track the perpetrators.

Command officials emphasized that surveillance, information gathering, and tactical deployments have been heightened across vulnerable sectors of the state to protect rural communities.

Commissioner Adekimi firmly stated that law enforcement would not be deterred by rising criminal activities, vowing that the state's full security apparatus will be utilized to safely recover the hostages and bring the gang to justice.