Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue residents abducted during a violent attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The rights organisation condemned the attack, describing it as another indication of the growing insecurity affecting several communities across northern Nigeria.
According to reports, armed men invaded the community in the early hours of Sunday, setting parts of the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including members of the royal household.
Amnesty International called for immediate action to ensure the safe return of all victims, stressing the need for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities from repeated attacks.
The organisation also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
It warned that continuous cases of kidnappings, killings and destruction of property in rural communities are deepening fear among residents and threatening livelihoods across affected areas.
Security authorities confirmed that the attackers launched a coordinated assault on both the Emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters during the operation.
The attack reportedly occurred around 2:00 a.m., with armed men attempting to overpower security personnel while carrying out the abductions.
Police operatives were said to have repelled the assault on the divisional headquarters, preventing further damage and casualties.
Following the incident, security agencies, including the military, police, vigilante groups and other local security outfits, launched a joint operation aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and tracking down the attackers.
The latest incident has further raised concerns over the recurring wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Residents have continued to call for increased security presence and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks and restore confidence in affected communities.
Amnesty International stressed that authorities must take urgent and concrete measures to safeguard lives, strengthen community security and prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
Post comments (0)