The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters has reported that gunmen abducted at least 25 people in two separate attacks in Kwara State, according to police.
Suspected armed groups, locally referred to as bandits, attacked a police station and a traditional ruler’s palace early Sunday in the Yashikira community of Baruten Local Government Area, near Nigeria’s northwestern border.
Police said the attackers struck around 2 a.m., launching a coordinated assault. Officers at the divisional headquarters repelled the gunmen during the attack, the Kwara State Police Command said in a statement.
During the same incident, the assailants set parts of the Emir of Yashikira’s palace on fire and abducted at least 10 residents, taking them to an unknown location.
Kwara, located in Nigeria’s north-central region, has experienced a rise in violence in recent years, with armed groups operating across forested border areas and frequently carrying out kidnappings for ransom.
Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi said a joint security operation involving the military, forest guards, and local vigilantes had been launched to search nearby forests and suspected hideouts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
In a separate incident, police said gunmen targeted a prayer gathering late Friday in Ekiti Local Government Area. Armed assailants opened fire on worshippers attending a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, killing three people and abducting 15 others.
The attack was reported by a local pastor, who said the gunmen arrived at around 8:30 p.m. and began shooting before taking several people hostage.
Police said specialized tactical units, including drone teams and mobile force personnel, have been deployed to conduct search-and-rescue operations and track down those responsible.
