31/07/2026
CAPTIVITY CRISIS: Families of victims abducted during the deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed for urgent government intervention, saying their loved ones remain in captivity despite raising more than ₦155 million in an attempt to secure their release.
According to community leaders, the February 3, 2026 attack left more than 260 people dead, over 30 houses destroyed, and 176 residents abducted, making it one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Alhaji Abdul Ibrahim, who represents affected families, said he lost 10 relatives during the attack and still has 35 family members in captivity.
“We raised ₦155 million and took it to them, but they refused to accept it, saying it was not enough. We returned with the money and have not heard from our relatives since,” he said.
He appealed to the Federal Government and Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to rescue the captives.
Families also expressed frustration that while victims abducted in a separate incident in Oyo State were rescued by security forces, those taken from Woro have remained in captivity for nearly five months.
Another community leader, Alhaji Sulaiman Bukata, said many of those still missing are women, children and nursing mothers. He added that residents recently staged a peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight.
The lawmaker representing the area in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Sa’idu Baba Ahmed, also called on authorities to step up rescue efforts, saying the prolonged uncertainty has deepened the pain of affected families.
Under Nigerian law, the payment of ransom to kidnappers is prohibited.
The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where rural communities continue to face kidnappings, violent attacks and other security challenges despite ongoing military operations.