Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Yashikira Emirate in Kwara State has announced the safe release of members of the royal family who were abducted by kidnappers earlier this year, bringing an end to months of agonising uncertainty for the traditional institution and the community. In a statement posted on its official page on Thursday night, August 6, 2026, the Emirate confirmed that the victims had regained their freedom and returned home safely.
The statement read in part: "ALHAMDULILAH ROBIL ALAMIN. Yashikira Emirate is pleased to announce the freedom of the Royal Family Members from the Kidnappers den, they are all back safe." The Emirate expressed gratitude to God and to the Baatombu Nation for their prayers and support during the period of captivity. "HRH. Alhaji Umar Sariki Usman and the entire Yashikiru Emirate have given thanks Allah and all Baatombu Nationwide for their prayers and support during these hard times," the statement added. The post was accompanied by a photo of the Emir, Alhaji Umar Sariki Usman, dressed in royal blue attire.
Details of how the victims were released and whether ransom was paid were not disclosed as of press time. Security agencies in the state could not be reached for official reaction.
The abduction occurred on May 25, 2026, when suspected bandits launched a coordinated midnight attack on the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The assailants simultaneously targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the palace of the Emir, setting part of the palace ablaze and abducting at least 10 persons, including three wives and four children of the traditional ruler. The Emir narrowly escaped the attack unharmed, but members of his household were taken to an unknown destination.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage and drew attention to the growing insecurity in Kwara North, particularly in communities bordering the Kainji Lake National Park. In June 2026, reports emerged that the terrorists holding the captives had threatened to forcibly marry the female victims if a ₦150 million ransom demand was not met, heightening concerns for their safety and wellbeing.
Reacting to the release, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State, Rt. Hon. Zakari Mohammed, welcomed the safe return of the royal family members and commended the security agencies for their professionalism and sacrifices. However, he warned that the release should not mark the end of government intervention, expressing concern over the alleged activities of the Lakurawa terrorist group in the Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding forests. He called on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to establish permanent and well-equipped security formations in vulnerable communities across Baruten, Kaiama and other parts of Kwara North.
"The release of the abducted royal family members is a major relief to the Yashikira Emirate, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara North Senatorial District and the state," Mohammed said. However, he stressed that sustainable peace would require continuous security presence, effective intelligence gathering and coordinated operations against criminal networks.
The safe return of the Yashikira royal family members has brought relief to the community and the wider Baatombu Nation, who had endured months of anxiety and uncertainty. As the Emirate celebrates the release of its members, the incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity in Kwara North and prevent future attacks on traditional institutions and vulnerable communities.
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