Suspected terrorists have reportedly launched a deadly late-night attack on Yashikira, an ancient town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving parts of the community in ruins and abducting several residents, including the Emir’s wife and children.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, when most residents were asleep, creating widespread panic as gunshots rang out across the town.
It was gathered that the armed men, numbering about 15, invaded the area and operated for hours with little resistance, despite attempts by local vigilantes to confront them.
Residents said the attackers first targeted the Emir’s palace, where they reportedly set sections of the building ablaze before moving into nearby homes and abducting women and children.
Several residents also confirmed that the Emir’s wives were among those taken during the assault, alongside other members of the community whose whereabouts remained unknown at the time of reporting.
One eyewitness described the chaos as overwhelming, saying residents fled in different directions, with many escaping into surrounding bushes to avoid being captured.
“The suspected bandits invaded Yashikira in the night. They set the palace on fire and kidnapped women and children, including the Emir’s wives,” the source said.
Another resident added that the attackers came heavily armed and moved through the town with ease, leaving families scattered and searching for missing relatives after they left.
“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 added.
The incident reportedly comes just days after another violent attack in the area that left at least three people dead, and several others abducted, raising renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement confirming the full scale of the attack or the number of victims abducted.
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