13 Kwara Kidnap Victims Still Missing as 163 Regain Freedom After Six Months in Bandits’ Captivity

Thirteen residents abducted during the deadly February 2026 bandit attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State remain missing, even as 163 captives have finally regained their freedom after spending about six months in captivity.

The National Chairman of the Kaiama Development Association (KDA), Yakubu Salihu, confirmed the development on Thursday, revealing that 176 women and children were taken away during the attack, but only 163 were released on Wednesday.

“One hundred and seventy-six people were taken away, but only 163 were released. That leaves 13 people still missing. Where are the others?” Salihu asked.

The attack, which occurred on February 3, 2026, devastated Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area. Armed bandits reportedly killed more than 100 people before abducting scores of residents, most of them women and children, in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area.

Salihu disclosed that some of the women gave birth while in captivity, underscoring the harsh conditions and prolonged suffering endured by the victims during their six-month ordeal. He said the freed residents are currently in neighbouring Niger State and are expected to return to Kwara on or before Saturday.

Upon their arrival, the victims will undergo medical examinations and receive rehabilitation and resettlement support to help them recover from the trauma of their captivity.

The KDA chairman renewed calls for the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama, arguing that the absence of a permanent military base has left communities exposed to repeated attacks by armed groups.

“The Federal Government is working towards establishing a Nigerian Army battalion in our community. As a community, we are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations,” Salihu said.

He explained that the limited number of security personnel currently deployed to the area are overstretched and unable to respond promptly to emergencies, adding that a permanent military presence would significantly improve response time and deter future attacks.

Salihu also appealed to the federal and state governments to rehabilitate the deteriorating road network across Kaiama Local Government Area, noting that poor road infrastructure continues to slow security operations and limit economic activities in the affected communities.