Fear in Kwara as attackers invade Emir’s palace, abduct royal family members

Panic has gripped residents of the Yashikira community in the Baruten local government area of Kwara state after suspected terrorists reportedly invaded the palace of the Emir and abducted several residents, including women and children, during a midnight attack.

Residents told Daily Trust that the total number of abductees is no fewer than 5 people, including wives and children of the Emir.

Community sources who spoke with the newspaper said the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 25, beginning around 12:40 am and lasting until about 1:55 am. A resident, Nasiru, who raised an alarm over the incident, said the attackers stormed the Yashikira Emirate, set parts of the palace on fire, and whisked away members of the royal household.

“Yashikira Emirate in Baruten LGA is under attack. Bandits have set the palace on fire, kidnapped women and children, including the Emir’s wives,” he told DT.

Sources in the community said the terrorists invaded the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, damaged rooms within the palace, and set vehicles ablaze during the attack. Residents described the incident as one of the most disturbing attacks witnessed in the area in recent times, adding that the assault threw the community into fear and confusion.

“With heavy hearts and deep pain, we wish to inform the public that Yashikira town reportedly came under a bandit attack in the early hours of the night,” a community statement obtained by AGT read.

“The attackers reportedly entered the palace of the Emir, set vehicles on fire, and damaged rooms within the palace. This heartbreaking incident has thrown the community into fear, sorrow, and distress.”