The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 10 people during a coordinated attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area.

According to police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the gunmen struck around 2 a.m. on Monday, attacking both the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the emir’s palace simultaneously. Part of the palace was reportedly set ablaze during the assault, while the attackers whisked away 10 victims to an unknown location.

Police operatives on duty successfully repelled the attack on the station, preventing the criminals from overrunning the facility.

Following the incident, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi ordered a joint security operation involving the police, military, forest guards and local vigilantes to comb nearby forests and suspected hideouts in search of the abducted victims and the attackers.

The police assured residents that intensified security operations, surveillance and intelligence gathering are ongoing across vulnerable communities in the area.

The latest attack comes days after armed men reportedly killed three worshippers and abducted 15 others during a church vigil in Kwara State.