Panic in Kwara as Suspected Bandits Burn Emir’s Palace, Kidnap Royal Family and Residents in Yashikira

Kwara, Nigeria - 25 May, 2026

Fear and confusion gripped residents of Yashikira, an ancient town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, after suspected bandits launched a deadly overnight attack on the community, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting members of the royal household alongside several residents.

The attack, which reportedly occurred between the late hours of the night and the early hours of the morning, left residents fleeing for safety as gunmen stormed the town in large numbers.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the heavily armed attackers invaded the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, firing sporadically before setting parts of the palace on fire. During the invasion, the assailants reportedly abducted the Emir’s wives, children, and several other residents of the community.

Sources within the area disclosed that the attackers operated for hours without resistance, forcing many residents to escape into nearby bushes and neighboring settlements to avoid being kidnapped or harmed.

Several houses and properties were also said to have been destroyed during the assault, while the exact number of victims abducted remains unclear as families continue to search for missing relatives.

The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in remote communities vulnerable to attacks by armed bandits and criminal groups.

Residents of Yashikira have reportedly called on both the Kwara State Government and federal security agencies to urgently strengthen security presence in the area to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those abducted.

Security personnel were later deployed to the community following distress calls, but authorities are yet to officially confirm the details of the attack or provide information on rescue efforts.

The latest assault adds to a growing list of attacks targeting rural communities across the country, where kidnappings, arson, and violent raids have continued to pose serious threats to lives and property.