Terror has gripped Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after armed abductors reportedly threatened to forcibly marry off some wives of the Emir of Yashikira and other female captives if a N150 million ransom is not paid. The victims were among those kidnapped during a coordinated midnight attack on the Emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.
Security sources familiar with ongoing rescue efforts said the abductors issued the threat after ransom negotiations stalled. The group is demanding about N150 million for the release of all abductees, with an estimated N15 million placed on each victim. The sources added that the warning was communicated through contacts involved in negotiation and intelligence channels.
According to the sources, the threat has been relayed to local vigilantes and security operatives participating in the rescue mission, raising fresh concern among families and community leaders. They warned that the abductors appeared to be increasing pressure on negotiators as delays in payment continued.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed Yashikira, targeting both the Emir’s palace and the police divisional headquarters. A surviving police officer said the attackers were better armed and overwhelmed security personnel before proceeding to the palace, where they spent nearly an hour abducting victims, including women and children, and also set parts of the palace on fire.
The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the incident, stating that about 10 persons were abducted during the raid, while sections of the palace were destroyed and vehicles burnt. The incident has since heightened tension in the community as rescue efforts continue.
