How Bandits Invaded Kwara Border Town, Kidnapped Emir’s Wives, Residents

— Bandits during operation

By Muyiwa Akinola

Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State was invaded by suspected bandits on Sunday night setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women, children and some of the Emir’s wives.

Residents told reporters that the heavily armed attackers stormed the border community late at night, firing sporadically before launching the assault on the palace and nearby homes.

Sources said the assailants overpowered local vigilantes and operated for hours without resistance as terrified residents fled into nearby bushes for safety.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen first attacked the palace, where they reportedly set parts of the building on fire before whisking away multiple victims.
“Bandits invaded Yashikira in the night. They set the palace on fire and kidnapped women and children, including the Emir’s wives,” a resident said.

Another source said the attack threw the entire community into confusion as families searched for missing relatives after the assailants left the area.
“The attackers came in large numbers with sophisticated weapons. People were running in different directions. Many residents escaped into the bush while the bandits carried away several persons,” the source said.

Residents lamented the growing insecurity in the area, alleging that communities in Baruten LGA have repeatedly suffered attacks from armed groups due to the porous border routes around the region.

They also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings over increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted victims had yet to be confirmed, while authorities had not released an official statement regarding the incident.