By Palang Paul
Amnesty International has condemned the deadly attack on the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, calling on Nigerian authorities to urgently rescue abducted residents and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
The global human rights organization said the overnight raid, carried out by heavily armed gunmen on Monday May 25, 2026, led to the abduction of several residents, including women, children, and some wives of the Emir, while parts of the Emir’s palace were set ablaze.
According to reports from residents, the attackers invaded the community late at night, firing sporadically before attacking homes and the palace. Several vehicles were burnt during the assault, while many buildings were left riddled with bullet holes.
Witnesses said terrified residents fled into nearby bushes as the gunmen operated for hours during the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Amnesty International described the assault as part of the growing insecurity threatening rural communities in Northern Nigeria and urged authorities to launch prompt, impartial, and effective investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The organization noted that the Yashikira attack occurred barely 24 hours after another deadly assault on worshippers observing a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several persons were reportedly killed and others abducted.
According to Amnesty International, the back-to-back attacks underscore the worsening security crisis in Kwara State and the continued exposure of rural communities to kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property.
The rights group further urged the Nigerian government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect lives and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities across the country.
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