Suspected armed bandits have attacked the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 10 people, including relatives of the traditional ruler, and setting part of the Emir’s palace ablaze.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, describing the attack as a “coordinated and desperate operation.”

According to the command, the attackers struck at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, simultaneously targeting the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Seriki.

The police said 10 persons were abducted during the assault, while officers successfully repelled the attack on the divisional headquarters.

Eyewitnesses, however, said the attackers stormed the community between midnight and 2:00 a.m., riding on motorcycles and firing sporadically before invading the palace.

Residents reported that among those abducted were three wives and four children of the traditional ruler, while several vehicles within the palace premises were also set on fire.

The police further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale tactical operation involving the military, police, vigilantes, and other security agencies to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

Security forces have since launched bush-combing operations across the area as part of efforts to locate the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The command assured residents that it remains committed to restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks operating in the region, amid a recent rise in banditry across Kwara North.