Kwara: Terrorists threaten to marry emir’s wives over N150m ransom delay

Fresh tension has gripped Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as suspected terrorists holding wives of the Emir and other residents have reportedly threatened to forcibly marry off the women if ransom demands are not met.

Security sources involved in ongoing rescue efforts said the threat followed delays in ransom negotiations after the victims were abducted during a deadly midnight attack on the Emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.

According to the sources, the kidnappers are demanding about N150 million for the release of the victims, estimated at roughly N15 million per person.

“The abductors have warned that if the ransom is not paid, they will marry off the Emir’s wives and other female captives to their commanders,” a source familiar with the situation disclosed.

The information was reportedly relayed through contacts linked to negotiations and has since been shared with local vigilantes and security operatives, heightening anxiety among residents and families of the victims.

The development comes days after heavily armed attackers launched a coordinated assault on Yashikira in the early hours of May 24, 2026.

The gunmen reportedly targeted both the police divisional headquarters and the Emir’s palace, overpowering security personnel before carrying out the abduction.

A police officer who survived the attack said the assailants were better armed and tactically superior, arriving on motorcycles and wielding automatic weapons, while officers on duty had limited firepower.

“The attackers overwhelmed us and proceeded to the palace, where they spent close to an hour abducting victims,” the officer said.

Residents said the attackers also set parts of the palace ablaze, destroyed property, and burnt vehicles before fleeing with the abductees, including women and children.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that at least 10 persons were kidnapped during the raid and parts of the palace were damaged by fire.

The latest threat by the abductors has intensified concerns within the community, as efforts to secure the safe release of the victims continue.

(Sahara Reporters)