Police called to Scots forest after 'African tribe' confronted by locals

Locals have been urged “not to take matters into their own hands” after threats of violence were made to an “African tribe” living in the Scottish woodlands.

The Kingdom of Kubala claim they have settled in a forest in Jedburgh, with the intention of reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors in the Highlands 400 years ago.

The group consists of leader King Atehene, 36, who was previously an opera singer under the name Kofi Offeh, his wife, Queen Nandi, and their “handmaiden” Asnat.

It has emerged that Asnat, Lady Safi, is Kaura Taylor from Texas, who has been reported missing by her family in the US.

Scotland

Missing Texan woman found living with ‘African tribe’ in Scottish woodland

The Kingdom of Kubala claim they have settled in a forest in Jedburgh, with the intention of reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors.

The trio first settled on land owned by the Scottish Borders Council. Attempts were made to engage the group in local services before eviction proceedings began.

They have since moved to privately owned land in the area.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said there has been an “escalation” in the relationship between the “illegal campers” and residents in the town.

In a video statement, he called for calm, warning that “mob mentality or threats of violence” would not result in their relocation.

“The council and police are ready to work with (the land owner) in securing a better outcome for this group and the community of Jedburgh”, Cllr Hamilton explained.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton called for calm in a message to local residents Facebook/Scott Hamilton

“In the interim period, we will continue to monitor to ensure your safety as residents and theirs as human beings.

“I must ask you not to take matters into your own hands.”

On recent incidents of the group being confronted by angry locals, he added: “Gauging by my email inbox and phone calls I have received, it is clear there has been an escalation in the relationship between these campers and residents in the town.

“Footage was shared with me throughout the course of [yesterday], which showed an unholy, inappropriate situation – where violence was threatened, where accusations were made and where tensions were on the rise.

“That will achieve nothing.

The Kingdom of Kubala claim they have settled in a forest in Jedburgh Facebook/Jean Gasho

“This group will leave Jedburgh. They will do so by their own esteem or by lawful means – but they are the only two means that this will take place, not with mob mentality or threats of violence.”

He added, “Yes, the group may upset us with some of their ludicrous accusations of heritage and history – and quite frankly, you don’t need even a primary school education to tell you that their accusations are false – but we must rise above them.

“Whilst our history is hugely important to us, it’s about how our community responds – that will define us as a community.

“Let us show what the people of Jedburgh and the Scottish Borders are about – they are about a quiet resolve of good humour, but also of pride and determination

“If we show these attributes in this situation, things will de-escalate, and things will calm, and it will allow time for all the emergency services and legal proceedings to happen.”

He added that moving forward, he asks the people of Jedburgh to “join with me in this period of calm and determination to see the matter resolved.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.50pm on Sunday, August 31, we received a report of a disturbance at Oxnan Road, Jedburgh. Officers attended, and there was no evidence of criminality.

“Suitable advice was given.”