Families of 176 residents abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls for urgent federal intervention after terrorists allegedly threatened to force female captives into marriage and execute the remaining hostages if their demands are not met.
The victims, most of whom are women, children and nursing mothers, were kidnapped during a coordinated attack on Woro and neighbouring communities, including Nuku and Kososo, on or about February 3, 2026. Community leaders said more than 200 residents were killed in the assault, while scores of others were taken away by the attackers.
Nearly six months after the attack, the abductees remain in captivity, with relatives expressing growing fears over their safety. The armed group, identified in various reports as suspected Boko Haram fighters or heavily armed bandits, has reportedly continued to hold the victims in remote locations, despite repeated appeals for their release.
Fresh concerns emerged after the abductors had threatened to marry off some of the female captives they described as “beautiful” while killing the remaining hostages if negotiations failed.
A community member, Abdul Ibrahim, made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, saying the terrorists had delivered the ultimatum while insisting on fresh conditions for the captives’ release.
Relatives said they mobilised more than ₦155 million through public donations and crowdfunding campaigns in an effort to secure the freedom of their loved ones. However, they alleged that the terrorists rejected the amount and insisted on a significantly higher ransom.
Community members said peaceful demonstrations organised to draw attention to the prolonged captivity have failed to produce meaningful action, prompting renewed appeals to the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to intensify rescue efforts.
Traditional leaders, including the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama and Suleiman Bukata, urged security agencies to demonstrate the same urgency that recently resulted in the successful rescue of abductees in Oyo State.
Earlier reports published in April indicated that the terrorists had issued a one-week ultimatum, claiming they could no longer bear the cost of feeding the hostages. The group allegedly threatened to marry off some of the young women while executing those they considered “liabilities”. Community sources also claimed the captives were being taught Arabic and Islamic studies while in detention.
Recent accounts indicate that the abductors are unwilling to negotiate with the Kwara State Government, insisting that discussions must be conducted directly with the Federal Government. Community leaders said ransom demands have reportedly risen to about ₦2 billion, while security operations across forests in Kaiama and surrounding communities have yet to locate the victims.
Families also disclosed that one of the women who was pregnant at the time of the abduction reportedly gave birth while in captivity, highlighting the worsening humanitarian conditions facing the hostages.
Traditional rulers, community organisations and other stakeholders, including Salihu Bio, whose wife remains among those abducted, have continued to demand swift federal intervention, warning that the prolonged captivity of the victims reflects the worsening security situation across Kaiama and adjoining communities.
As of the latest reports, the 176 abductees remain in captivity, with no official confirmation of a breakthrough in efforts to secure their release.
