● Yashikira palace raid: 10 kidnapped May 24; abductors give ultimatum as security sources race to rescue
Fresh panic has gripped Yashikira community after terrorists holding the Emir’s wives and other residents threatened to forcibly marry off the female captives if N150m ransom isn’t paid.
Security sources in ongoing rescue ops say the ultimatum came after delays in negotiations following the May 24 midnight attack on the Emir’s palace and Yashikira Police Divisional HQ.
—“We’ll marry them off” — Abductors’ threat—
The kidnappers are demanding ~N15m per person for about 10 victims. Through negotiation contacts, they warned: “If the ransom is not paid, they will marry off the Emir’s wives and other female captives to their commanders.”
The message has been shared with vigilantes and operatives, heightening anxiety among families.
—How the raid happened—
Survivors say heavily armed gunmen on motorcycles with automatic weapons overwhelmed police on May 24, 2026. They had superior firepower while officers had “limited firepower.”
“The attackers overwhelmed us and proceeded to the palace, where they spent close to an hour abducting victims,” a surviving officer said. Residents said the palace was set ablaze, vehicles burnt, before the gunmen fled with women and children.
Kwara Police Command confirmed: at least 10 persons kidnapped, parts of the palace damaged by fire.
—Community on edge—
The threat has intensified pressure on security agencies as rescue efforts continue in Kaiama LGA. Yashikira residents now fear for the women’s fate as ransom talks stall.
