Gunmen Abduct 25 Residents in Twin Raids Across Kwara State
Armed assailants kidnapped at least 25 people during two separate attacks in Nigeria’s north-central Kwara State, according to local police authorities. The incidents, which occurred in different communities, have heightened concerns over rising insecurity and the continued threat posed by criminal gangs operating across the region.
Officials said one of the attacks targeted a police divisional headquarters and the palace of a traditional ruler in Yashikira, a town located in Baruten Local Government Area near the country’s northwestern border. The coordinated assault took place during the early hours of the morning, with gunmen arriving heavily armed.
Police Station and Royal Palace Targeted
According to security authorities, officers stationed at the police headquarters engaged the attackers and managed to prevent the facility from being overrun. Despite the resistance, the gunmen reportedly set portions of the traditional ruler’s palace ablaze before fleeing the area.
During the raid, several residents were forcibly taken from their homes and transported to an undisclosed location. Emergency responders and security personnel were later deployed to assess damage and begin search efforts for the victims.
Second Kidnapping Incident Raises Security Concerns
In a separate incident elsewhere in Kwara State, additional residents were abducted by armed men, bringing the total number of people kidnapped in the two attacks to 25. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the identities of the victims or possible ransom demands.
Law enforcement agencies have launched investigations and intensified security operations across affected communities. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as efforts continue to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of those abducted.
Growing Threat of Bandit Attacks
Kwara State has experienced an increase in violent incidents linked to armed criminal groups commonly referred to as bandits. These groups frequently carry out kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and assaults on security installations, often seeking ransom payments from victims’ families. Security experts warn that the expanding reach of such groups remains a significant challenge for authorities across central and northern Nigeria.
