Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently secure the release of people abducted during an attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, where armed men reportedly set part of the Emir’s palace ablaze and kidnapped several residents, including members of the royal family.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation condemned the incident, saying it reflects the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria. It urged the government to quickly rescue the victims, strengthen protection in vulnerable areas, and ensure those responsible are properly investigated and prosecuted.
The group said rural communities are increasingly exposed to repeated attacks, abductions, and destruction of property, noting that the violence in Kwara State is part of a broader pattern affecting parts of northern Nigeria.
It also pointed out that the attack occurred shortly after another deadly incident in the state involving worshippers during a night vigil, where several people were killed and others abducted.
Amnesty International stressed that urgent government action is needed to prevent further deterioration of security and protect vulnerable communities.
Security authorities in Kwara confirmed that the attackers struck around 2:00 a.m. in a coordinated assault on both the Emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters, abducting about 10 people, including members of the royal household.
Police said their operatives repelled the attack on the station and have launched a joint operation with the military, local vigilantes, and other security agencies to rescue the victims.
Efforts are still ongoing as concerns continue to rise over persistent insecurity in rural parts of the state.
