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By Ayo Kehinde
Suspected terrorists holding the wives of the Emir of Yashikira and several residents kidnapped in a violent midnight raid have threatened to forcibly marry the captive women to their commanders if the ₦150 million ransom demand is not met, security sources involved in the ongoing rescue negotiations have confirmed.
The threat marks a chilling escalation in the standoff following the May 24, 2026 coordinated attack on the Emir’s Palace and Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The assault, which resulted in the abduction of at least 10 people, sparked widespread fear in affected communities in Kwara state.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the kidnappers communicated the latest ultimatum through intermediaries linked to ongoing ransom discussions, warning that continued delay in payment would lead to the forced marriage of female victims, including the emir’s wives, to members of their camp.
“The kidnappers have warned that if the ransom is not paid, they will marry the emir’s wives and other captive women to their commanders,” a source said, adding that the message has been conveyed to local vigilante groups and security agents coordinating the rescue operations.
The kidnappers are demanding around ₦15 million per victim for around 10 abductees, bringing the total ransom to around ₦150 million. Negotiating channels remain active, but progress has reportedly been slow due to logistical and security constraints.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck in large numbers, overwhelmed security personnel and operated with tactical coordination during the raid. The command also confirmed that the building suffered significant fire and material damage.
A surviving police officer described the attackers as heavily armed and highly organised, noting that they arrived on motorbikes and quickly overran the limited security presence in the building and police facility.
“The attackers were heavily armed and tactically superior. They overpowered us and moved into the palace, taking almost an hour to abduct the victims,” the officer said.
Yashikira residents said the gunmen set fire to parts of the building, destroyed vehicles and looted property before fleeing with women and children among those abducted.
Tensions in the community remain high as victims’ families continue to await updates, while security agencies intensify search and rescue operations aimed at securing the prisoners’ release.
Authorities have assured that efforts are underway to track down the kidnappers and prevent further escalation, although no breakthrough has yet been announced.
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