By Amnesty International has condemned the recent attack carried out by suspected gunmen on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The body described the incident as another sign of worsening insecurity in the state.
In a statement released on Monday, May 25, the organisation said several residents were abducted during the overnight raid, while parts of the Emir’s palace were also set ablaze by the attackers.
According to reports cited by Amnesty International, women, children, and some of the Emir’s wives were among those abducted during the attack.
Residents reportedly said the heavily armed assailants stormed the community late at night, shooting sporadically before attacking the palace and nearby houses. Witnesses added that many villagers fled into surrounding bushes as the attackers operated for hours without resistance.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to immediately ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims and strengthen security in vulnerable communities across the state.
“The repeated violence in Kwara State and other parts of Northern Nigeria continues to leave rural communities exposed to abductions, killings, and destruction of property,” the organisation stated.
The rights group also urged authorities to launch “prompt, impartial and effective investigations” aimed at bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
The Yashikira attack came barely 24 hours after another deadly incident at Ori-Oke Ajaiye in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where worshippers observing a night vigil were attacked by gunmen. Several persons were reportedly killed, while others were abducted.
Amnesty International noted that the back-to-back attacks further highlight the deteriorating security situation facing communities across Kwara State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
