Nigeria, May 25 -- Security forces have launched an operation to rescue people abducted in the early hours of Monday from a Kwara State community.

Yashikira town in the northern district of Kwara was thrown into panic by the midnight attack.

According to information gathered from residents, the attack began around 12:40 a.m. and lasted until about 2:25 a.m. with heavy gunfire echoing across the community and forcing many residents to flee into the bushes.

The attackers were said to have invaded the palace area, burnt several vehicles and vandalised parts of the emir's residence, including the living quarters.

The terrorists also attempted to raid the local police stations but were repelled.

Sources further disclosed that 10 people we...