Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently rescue residents abducted during a gunmen attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The organisation made the call following the late-night attack on 25 May 2026, during which armed men stormed the community, abducted several residents, and set parts of the Emir’s palace on fire.
According to eyewitness accounts, women, children, and some of the Emir’s wives were among those kidnapped during the raid, while homes were riddled with bullets and vehicles were burnt.
Residents said the attackers invaded the community at night and operated for several hours, forcing many people to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Amnesty International described the attack as deeply alarming and urged authorities to immediately ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons.
The organisation also called for strengthened security presence in vulnerable communities across Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria facing repeated attacks.
It further demanded prompt, impartial, and effective investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the assault.
The attack comes less than 24 hours after another violent incident in Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and others abducted during a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of Ekiti Local Government Area.
Amnesty International said the back-to-back attacks highlight the worsening insecurity affecting rural communities, where residents remain exposed to repeated abductions, killings, and destruction of property.
The organisation warned that continued violence without effective intervention could further endanger civilian lives and deepen insecurity in affected regions.
It urged Nigerian authorities to take urgent and concrete steps to protect communities and prevent further attacks across the state and beyond.
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