A woman believed to have gone missing in Texas has apparently been found, not in a city, but in the forests of the Scottish Borders. Identifying herself as Asnat, Lady Safi (legally Kaura Taylor), she is living with a group that calls itself the “Kingdom of Kubala”, led by King Atehene, formerly opera singer Kofi Offeh, and his wife, Queen Nandi, born Jean Gasho.

The Kingdom of Kubala have established a camp in woodland near Jedburgh, claiming they are returning to ancestral land stolen from their Highland forebears some 400 years ago, during the reign of Elizabeth I. Taylor, now Asnat, said in a video message to UK authorities,

“To the UK authorities, obviously I am not missing. Leave me alone. I’m an adult, not a helpless child.”

The group reject local authority altogether, stating they “don’t recognise local laws” and instead follow the laws of their God, whom they call Yahowah or the Creator. King Atehene told reporters.

“We live a very simple life of returning to innocence. We connect to nature, we bathe in the spring-water, relying daily on the creator for food, shelter and clothing, we live in a tent without walls, but we are not afraid, for we have the protection of the creator, Yahowah.”

King Atehene also spoke of prophecy, stating that after four centuries of exile, he was called to return and lead “lost tribes” back to the “land of promise” as part of “a journey of hope, a pilgrimage”. On social media, Queen Nandi declared:

“We are the Lost Tribes of Hebrews and have returned to claim Scotland as our homeland, a land stolen by Elizabeth the first 400 years ago when she deported all black people from Scotland and England. According to our Prophet Atehene, Jerusalem is in Scotland. Only those who live off grid will be saved, as we enter the Millennium Kingdom of Kubala.”

Tensions have mounted locally. The group reportedly received eviction notices, and one of their camps was destroyed in an alleged arson attack by vigilantes. In another version, Scottish Borders Council removed the group, working with Police Scotland, and offered advice on housing and support, while also clearing the site. Concerns have also been raised about welfare and mental health, as there are reports that Asnat arrived with a child who was subsequently taken into UK social care. Local residents have expressed alarm over previous unsettling behaviour by the couple, such as banners bearing threats and ominous symbols at a former residence.

At present, Scottish Borders Council says it continues to monitor the unfolding situation with Police Scotland, offering support where possible.