Suspected terrorists holding the wives of the emir of Yashikira and several other residents captive have reportedly threatened to force the female victims into marriage with their commanders if a ransom demand of N150 million is not paid.
Key Highlights:
Security sources involved in efforts to secure the victims’ release, disclosed that the threat emerged during ongoing negotiations with the abductors following the attack on Yashikira community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were kidnapped during a coordinated midnight assault on May 24, when armed men stormed both the emir’s palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional headquarters.
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According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the kidnappers warned that failure to meet their ransom demand would result in the women being forcibly married off.
“The abductors have threatened to marry the Emir’s wives and other female captives to their commanders if the ransom is not paid,” one source said.
The threat has reportedly heightened fears among residents and relatives of the victims, with local vigilantes and security operatives intensifying efforts to secure their freedom.
The terrorists are said to be demanding about N15 million for each of the estimated 10 abductees, bringing the total ransom request to roughly N150 million.
The Kwara State Police Command had earlier confirmed the attack, stating that at least 10 people were abducted during the raid while parts of the emir’s palace were damaged by fire.
A police officer who survived the attack described the assailants as heavily armed and well-coordinated.
According to the officer, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles carrying automatic weapons and overwhelmed security personnel stationed in the area.
“The attackers overpowered us before advancing to the palace, where they spent nearly an hour carrying out the abductions,” the officer said.
Residents also reported that the attackers set sections of the palace ablaze, destroyed property and burned vehicles before fleeing with their captives, including women and children.
Security agencies and community leaders are continuing efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims as concern grows over their welfare and safety.
