Suspected bandits conducted a coordinated midnight raid on the Yashikira community in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. During the 2:00 a.m. operation, attackers targeted both the local police station and the palace of the Emir, Alhaji Umar Seriki.
While police successfully defended their station, part of the palace was set on fire and ten individuals—including the Emir’s wives and children—were kidnapped.
Kwara State Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the incident and stated that Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi has initiated a massive rescue effort. This operation includes the military, local vigilantes, and forest guards to track the kidnappers.
Although the Emir was absent during the assault, witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles, fired their weapons, and burned several vehicles at the scene.
Local residents indicated that three wives and four children of the monarch were among those taken.
This event is the latest in a series of security challenges facing Kwara North, where banditry has frequently impacted rural settlements and local leaders in recent months.
