Residents of a community in Kwara State were thrown into panic after armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on a police station and the Emir’s palace before abducting no fewer than 10 residents during the late-night invasion.
According to reports from the area, the heavily armed assailants stormed the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically to create fear among residents. The attackers first targeted the local police station, where gunfire was exchanged between security operatives and the invading criminals.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the attackers overpowered security personnel due to their large number and superior firepower before proceeding to the Emir’s palace, where valuables were allegedly vandalized during the assault.
The gunmen reportedly moved from house to house, forcefully dragging victims out before whisking them away to an unknown destination. Residents said many people fled into nearby bushes and surrounding communities to escape the attack.
Sources within the community revealed that at least 10 persons, including women and youths, were kidnapped during the operation. Family members of the victims have expressed fear over the safety of their loved ones as tension continues to rise in the area.
Security operatives and local vigilante groups were later deployed to the community to restore calm and begin search operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and tracking down the attackers.
Community leaders have called on the government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural areas, warning that repeated attacks are forcing residents to live in constant fear.