March 13, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
Families of residents abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fresh alarm, expressing fears that some of the captives — particularly pregnant women and children — may have died in captivity as weeks pass without communication from either the terrorists or government authorities.
Relatives of the victims spoke amid growing frustration and despair in the rural community, saying there has been no meaningful contact from the abductors since a disturbing video of the captives surfaced about a month ago.
“We are living in fear every day,” one distraught family member said. “Since they were taken, we have not heard anything from the terrorists or from the government. No calls, no demands, nothing. It has been a month since they paraded them in a video, and everything has gone silent.”
According to the families, the prolonged silence has heightened fears that some of the abductees may no longer be alive, especially the most vulnerable among them.
“We are particularly worried about the pregnant women and the children,” another relative said. “Some of them were already weak before they were taken. If they are in the bush without food or medical care, how can they survive for this long?”
Residents say the uncertainty has plunged the community into deep mourning, with many households struggling to cope with the emotional toll.
“Our hearts are heavy every day,” a resident lamented. “We don’t know whether our people are alive or dead. We are begging the government to act because we cannot continue living like this.”
Earlier reports revealed that suspected Boko Haram terrorists released a video showing 176 abducted victims — including women, children, and a nursing mother — allegedly taken from Woro community.
In the footage, several women were seen responding in Hausa when questioned about where they were kidnapped. The video also showed dozens of distressed women and children standing in rows, many wearing dirty and worn clothing, while some children appeared half-dressed, highlighting the harsh conditions in captivity.
During the recording, one of the terrorists accused the Kwara State Government of misleading the public about the scale of the abduction, claiming officials had earlier stated that only between 20 and 30 people were kidnapped, while insisting that 176 captives were in their custody.
“The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and the whole world,” the terrorist alleged in the video.
The footage triggered widespread concern over the deteriorating security situation in Kaiama Local Government Area and other parts of Kwara North, where residents say communities remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Reacting to the video, the Kwara State Government said it was deeply concerned and reassured families that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the abductees.
In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government said authorities were carefully analysing the footage to verify the identities of those shown.
“As always, our thoughts are with the affected families, and we remain committed to securing the safe return of all those impacted,” the statement read.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no public update on progress made in rescuing the victims.
The abduction followed a brutal attack on February 3, 2026, when suspected terrorists stormed the agrarian Woro community, killing dozens of residents during a coordinated assault.
Among those killed were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress, and students who had just returned home from school.
Residents say the attackers moved through the community shooting indiscriminately and targeting both locals and travellers, leaving behind widespread destruction and grief.
For many families, the pain remains fresh — and the silence surrounding their loved ones has only deepened their fears.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting 🇳🇬
