Gunmen Abduct 25 in Coordinated Attacks Across Nigeria’s Kwara State
Police launch joint security operation after coordinated attacks in Kwara State
- Gunmen abduct 25 in twin attacks in Kwara State
- Emir’s palace partially burned during raid
- Security forces launch rescue and manhunt operations
At least 25 people have been abducted following two separate armed attacks in Nigeria’s Kwara State, according to police authorities.
In the first incident, suspected bandits stormed Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area around 2 a.m. on Sunday, attacking both a police station and the palace of a traditional ruler. During the raid, the assailants reportedly set parts of the Emir’s palace on fire and abducted at least 10 residents, taking them to an unknown location.
Police officers on duty at the divisional headquarters reportedly resisted the attack and succeeded in repelling the gunmen, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed.
The attackers are believed to be part of armed groups operating in forested border areas of northern Nigeria, often linked to kidnappings for ransom and other violent crimes.
Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi said security forces, including the military, forest guards, and local vigilantes, have launched a joint operation to comb nearby forests and suspected hideouts in an effort to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
In a separate but related incident in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, gunmen attacked a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on Friday evening. The assailants reportedly opened fire on worshippers around 8:30 p.m., killing three people and abducting 15 others.
A local pastor reported that the attackers stormed the religious gathering and fired sporadically before whisking away victims.
Police say tactical teams, including drone units and mobile police forces, have been deployed to intensify search-and-rescue operations and track down the attackers responsible for both incidents.
