Suspected bandits have abducted three wives and four children of the Emir of Yashikira in Kwara State, Alhaji Umaru Seriki, during a midnight attack on his palace in Yashikira community, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen reportedly invaded the community between 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically before storming the monarch’s residence.
Sources in the area said the attackers abducted the emir’s wives identified as Hafsat Umaru, Aishat Umaru and Zainab Umaru, alongside four of his children whose identities had yet to be officially disclosed as of press time.
The assailants were also said to have burnt vehicles within the palace premises after overpowering local security operatives and vigilantes.
Residents disclosed that Alhaji Umaru Seriki was away from the palace when the attack occurred.
Yashikira community is located in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara North Senatorial District, close to the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, an area that has witnessed increasing security threats in recent months.
Security agencies and local vigilante groups have reportedly commenced rescue operations to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
