Nigeria Attack: Suspected Bandits Target Police Station and Emir’s Palace in Kwara State

ABUJA, May 25 — Suspected bandits attacked a police station and a traditional ruler’s palace in Nigeria’s Kwara state early Sunday, abducting at least 10 people and setting part of the palace on fire, according to police reports.

Coordinated Assault in Yashikira

The attacks occurred around 2 a.m. (0100 GMT) in Yashikira, a community in Baruten local government area near Nigeria’s northwestern border, as part of a coordinated assault, authorities said. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that attackers targeted both the police divisional headquarters and the Emir of Yashikira’s palace.

During the raid, sections of the palace were set ablaze, and 10 residents were kidnapped, with the perpetrators taking them to an unknown location. Police stated that officers on duty repelled the gunmen at the police station.

Joint Operation Launched to Rescue Victims

Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi announced that security forces, including the military, forest guards, and local vigilantes, had launched a joint operation to search nearby forests and suspected hideouts. The goal, he said, is to rescue the abducted individuals and apprehend those responsible.

“We are deploying tactical teams, including a drone unit and specialized mobile force personnel, to carry out search-and-rescue operations and track down the attackers,” Adekimi added.

Separate Attack in Ekiti Local Government Area

In a separate incident, gunmen targeted a prayer gathering in the Ekiti local government area late Friday. According to police, armed assailants opened fire on worshippers during a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, killing three people and abducting 15 others. A local pastor reported that attackers stormed the gathering around 8:30 p.m. (1930 GMT), shooting sporadically before taking victims away.

Context of Rising Violence in Kwara State

Kwara, located in Nigeria’s north-central region, has seen a surge in violent attacks linked to armed groups often referred to as “bandits.” These groups, active in forested border regions, are known for kidnappings, looting, and arson. Recent months have witnessed a spike in such incidents, including the November kidnapping of 38 people from a church in Eruku town and a February attack that killed 162 people in the village of Woro.

Reuters