Ten members of the family of the Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending several months in captivity following a terrorist attack on the monarch’s palace.
The victims were abducted on May 25, 2026, when armed terrorists invaded the palace, set parts of the royal residence on fire and took 10 members of the royal family to an unknown location.
After months in captivity, the abductees have now been released.
The Yashikira Emirate confirmed their release in a statement issued on Thursday night, announcing that all the kidnapped members of the royal family had returned home safely.
“All the abducted members of the royal family have been released. They are all back home safely,” the statement said.
The emirate expressed gratitude to God and members of the Baatombu community for their prayers and unwavering support throughout the difficult period.
“His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ambassador Umar Sariki Usman, and the entire Yashikira Emirate thank Almighty Allah and all members of the Baatombu nation for their prayers and support during this trying time,” the statement added.
Their release comes months after the attack, which intensified concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kwara State, particularly communities in the northern axis of the state.
Following the incident, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed that suspected bandits carried out the midnight attack, during which part of the Emir’s palace was destroyed by fire and 10 people were abducted.
The attackers also attempted to overrun the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters, but officers on duty successfully repelled the assault.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi had disclosed that the gunmen stormed the community at about 2:00 a.m. in what was described as a coordinated attack.
She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, immediately ordered a large-scale security operation involving tactical police units, other security agencies and local vigilante groups to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.
