The mother of a young woman who abandoned her life in the United States to serve as a handmaiden to a self-proclaimed King in Scotland has spoken out, making a desperate plea for the UK authorities to intervene. She insists that her daughter is “vulnerable” and in urgent need of help before the situation spirals even further out of control.

In June, a missing person report was filed for 21-year-old Kaura Taylor after she mysteriously disappeared from her aunt’s home in Texas. At first, the family feared the worst. However, it was later revealed that the young woman had traveled overseas and was now living more than 3,000 miles away in Scotland, embedded in what she described as a “lost African tribe.”

This group, calling itself the Kingdom of Kubala, claims it is attempting to reclaim ancestral land they believe once belonged to their Hebrew forefathers. The tribe is led by Jean Gasho, who refers to herself as Queen Nandi, and her husband Kofi Offeh, known among followers as King Atehene.

Kaura’s mother, Melba Whitehead, age 45, shared that before her daughter’s unexpected departure she had been a bright and ambitious student. Kaura had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, was admired by her peers, and consistently achieved straight-A grades. She also enjoyed typical teenage pleasures such as having her nails done every week. None of these signs, Whitehead said, foreshadowed the dramatic transformation to come.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Kaura became noticeably more withdrawn and started seeing a psychologist in 2021. Teachers later observed a marked change in her demeanor when she returned to school that fall. In January of the following year, Kaura had a falling out with her mother and decided to move in with her aunt, Vandora Skinner, according to The New York Times.

Although Kaura once had strong academic goals, she turned down a paid scholarship to a law school in Atlanta, Georgia, choosing instead to pursue cosmetology in Dallas. About a year later, she was introduced to the Kingdom of Kubala by the father of her infant daughter. On May 25, she officially left the United States to live with the group in Scotland.

Skinner later revealed that Kaura even attempted to persuade her ex-boyfriend to join the tribe, but he refused after being disturbed by what he described as “ungodly rituals” allegedly practiced by the community.

Taylor now goes by the names 'Asnat of Atehene' and 'Lady Safi’ (SWNS)

Today, Kaura lives in a wooded area of Jedburgh, approximately 40 miles south of Edinburgh, and now goes by the names Asnat of Atehene and Lady Safi. To her mother, the group is nothing more than a manipulative “cult.”

Whitehead believes her daughter has been thoroughly brainwashed by Gasho and Offeh, and she fears Kaura may already be pregnant again. In one social media video, Kaura claimed she had agreed to act as a surrogate for Queen Nandi, which only deepened her mother’s concern.

“This cult is dangerous. They threaten not only my daughter but anyone near them. I’m terrified I will lose her forever,” Whitehead said, her voice filled with anguish. She has also strongly criticized the Scottish authorities for allegedly blocking her efforts to gain custody of her granddaughter, who was once removed from the camp by officials.

Taylor and her aunt Vandora Skinner (Facebook)

Whitehead has pleaded directly with both US and UK authorities: “Please, do something. My daughter and granddaughter need to come home to Texas. Kaura is not in a position to make sound decisions for herself or her child. I am her mother. I will make sure she receives the help and protection she desperately needs.”

Local officials have confirmed that the Scottish Borders Council is cooperating with police in relation to the situation. A spokesperson noted, “This has included offering advice, information on housing options, and other available support services.”

Yet despite her family’s desperation, Kaura herself has rejected the idea that she is in danger or incapable of independence. In a Facebook post, she declared: “I’m extremely happy with my King and Queen. I was never missing. I left behind an abusive, toxic family environment.” She has further urged the UK authorities to “leave her alone,” underscoring the deep divide between her newfound community and the loved ones fighting to bring her back.