Terrorists Threaten To Marry Off Emir’s Wives Over ₦150 Million Ransom

Fresh fear has gripped the Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after terrorists who abducted some wives of the Emir of Yashikira and other residents reportedly threatened to marry off the women to their commanders if ransom negotiations fail.

Security sources familiar with the rescue efforts who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the threat followed frustration over the non-payment of ransom for the victims abducted during a midnight attack on the Emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters.

According to the sources, the abductors are demanding about ₦150m for the release of the victims, estimated at about ₦15 m per abductee.

One of the sources said the threat was relayed through contacts linked to ongoing rescue and negotiation efforts.

Naija News reports that the security source said, “The terrorists have threatened that if the ransom is not paid, they will marry off the Emir’s wives and other female victims to their commanders.

“The ransom being demanded is around ₦150 million. The information came through a source close to the palace who is part of the team working to secure the release of the abductees.”

The source added that local vigilantes and police personnel involved in intelligence gathering had been briefed about the development.

“The information was passed to the vigilantes and security personnel through channels connected to the rescue efforts. Everyone is worried because the abductors appear to be increasing pressure on the families and the community,” the source added.

Palace, Police Station Attacked

The latest threat comes days after heavily armed terrorists stormed the Yashikira community in a coordinated attack that left part of the Emir’s palace in ruins.

The attackers reportedly targeted the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace in the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026.

A surviving police officer said the attackers had superior weapons and overwhelmed security operatives before moving to the palace.

“The terrorists attacked the police station with the intention to kill all of us. They had more sophisticated weapons than us and they overpowered us before invading the Emir’s palace,” the officer said.

The officer said many policemen on duty were armed mainly with pistols, while the attackers carried AK-47 rifles and moved on motorcycles.

According to him, after attacking the police station, the terrorists spent nearly an hour at the palace, where they abducted several victims, including wives and children of the Emir.

Residents also said the attackers set parts of the palace ablaze, burnt vehicles and damaged rooms before fleeing with the victims.

The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the attack.

The command said 10 persons were abducted during the raid, while part of the palace was set on fire.