– Kwara State, Nigeria
Suspected bandits carried out two simultaneous attacks in Kwara State over the weekend. In Yashikira, in the Baruten Local Government Area, they attacked a police station and the Yashikira emir's palace early Sunday morning. Officers repelled the assault on the police station, but the gunmen set fire to part of the palace and kidnapped ten residents.
In a separate incident in Ori-Oke Ajaiye, in the Ekiti Local Government Area, attackers stormed an evening prayer vigil on Friday night. They killed three people and kidnapped 15 others. The total number of victims kidnapped in both attacks is 25. The attackers fled with the captives to an unknown location.
Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi
confirmed the incidents and stated that a joint security operation is underway. Tactical teams, comprised of military personnel, forest rangers, local self-defense groups, and a drone unit, have been deployed to search the forests and potential hiding places for both victims and perpetrators.
The attacks highlight the growing insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in border communities prone to banditry and kidnappings for ransom. Residents have expressed concern about the need to strengthen security measures in the region. Authorities are continuing rescue efforts and urging calm in the affected communities.
This incident adds to the recent security problems in north-central Nigeria, where armed groups continue to exploit remote areas to commit crimes. The state government and security agencies are expected to provide further information on the rescue operations and ongoing investigations.