Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh wave of terror has engulfed the agrarian community of Yashikira in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, following a chilling threat by the armed gang holding the wives of the Emir of Yashikira and other residents captive. According to security sources involved in ongoing rescue efforts, the terrorists have warned that if the ransom demand of approximately ₦150 million is not met, they will forcibly marry off the female victims, including the royal spouses, to their commanders.
The latest threat marks a dangerous escalation in a crisis that began in the early hours of Sunday, 24 May 2026. That night, heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The attackers, estimated to be in large numbers, arrived on motorcycles and wielded AK-47 rifles, while the police on duty were armed only with pistols. A surviving police officer told SaharaReporters: “The terrorists attacked the police station with the intention to kill all of us. They had more sophisticated weapons than us and they overpowered us before invading the Emir’s palace.”
After overwhelming the security operatives, the gunmen spent nearly an hour inside the royal palace, where they abducted several victims, including some of the Emir’s wives and children, before setting parts of the palace on fire and destroying property. The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed that at least 10 persons were abducted during the raid, with the abductors demanding about ₦15 million per victim, totalling roughly ₦150 million.
The kidnappers have since communicated their ultimatum through intermediaries linked to ongoing negotiations, warning that continued delay in payment will result in the forced marriage of the female victims to members of their camp. A security source told SaharaReporters: “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 information was passed to the vigilantes and security personnel through channels connected to the rescue efforts. Everyone is worried because the abductors appear to be increasing pressure on the families and the community.”
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that a joint search-and-rescue operation involving the military, forest guards and local vigilantes is combing nearby forests and suspected hideouts. However, as of Monday, 1 June 2026, no breakthrough has been announced, and the abducted victims remain in captivity. Community leaders have appealed for urgent federal intervention, warning that the situation has become dire.
The abduction of the Emir’s wives is the latest in a series of high-profile attacks targeting traditional rulers in northern Nigeria, reflecting a deteriorating security situation where criminal gangs have expanded their operations to include royal palaces and urban centres. For the people of Yashikira, the wait for the safe return of their monarch’s family continues, now overshadowed by the nightmare of forced marriage.
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