Abductors Threaten to Marry Off Emir’s Wives, Other Victims as Yashikira Kidnapping Crisis Deepens

Abductors Threaten to Marry Off Emir’s Wives, Other Victims as Yashikira Kidnapping Crisis Deepens

Fresh concerns have emerged in Yashikira community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, following reports that terrorists who abducted wives of the Emir of Yashikira and other residents have threatened to forcibly marry off some of the female victims if ransom demands are not met.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the abductors are demanding approximately N150 million for the release of the victims, an amount said to average about N15 million per abductee.

Security sources familiar with ongoing rescue efforts reportedly disclosed that the threat was communicated through contacts involved in negotiations aimed at securing the release of those kidnapped during the attack on the Emir's palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.

One of the sources quoted by SaharaReporters alleged that the terrorists had become increasingly frustrated over delays in ransom payments and were using the threat to intensify pressure on families and the community.

“The terrorists have threatened that if the ransom is not paid, they will marry off the Emir's wives and other female victims to their commanders,” the source reportedly said.

The source further revealed that local vigilante groups and security personnel engaged in intelligence gathering had been informed of the development, heightening anxiety among relatives of the abductees and community leaders.

The latest development comes days after heavily armed attackers reportedly launched a coordinated assault on Yashikira community, targeting both the Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir in the early hours of May 24, 2026.

According to SaharaReporters, a surviving police officer involved in the incident stated that the attackers possessed more sophisticated weapons and overpowered security operatives before advancing to the palace.

The officer reportedly disclosed that many officers on duty were armed mainly with pistols, while the attackers carried AK-47 rifles and arrived on motorcycles, giving them a significant tactical advantage during the confrontation.

After overpowering security personnel, the attackers allegedly spent close to an hour within the palace premises, abducting several persons, including wives and children of the Emir.

Residents also told SaharaReporters that parts of the palace were set ablaze during the attack, while vehicles and several rooms within the palace complex were destroyed before the assailants fled with their captives.

The Kwara State Police Command subsequently confirmed the incident and disclosed that 10 persons were abducted during the attack, while portions of the Emir's palace were damaged by fire.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not announced any breakthrough regarding the release of the abductees. Rescue efforts and investigations are, however, said to be ongoing.

Source: SaharaReporters.