Woro, Kwara Abduction: Families Fear for Women and Children Weeks After Boko Haram Attack

Families of residents abducted from the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have voiced growing fears for the safety of their loved ones, particularly pregnant women and children, following weeks of silence from both the suspected terrorists and government authorities. Relatives told Legit.ng on Saturday, March 14, that the prolonged lack of communication has left the community anxious and uncertain about the fate of those taken. One relative, identified only as Aliyu, said the situation has thrown the rural area into grief and confusion. “The government officials came here to distribute foodstuffs, and we told them that we did not need their rice and maize. We only want them to rescue our wives and children,” he said. “Since then, nothing from the government. It is just promise upon promise. And now, our people are suffering inside the forest. It feels as though the government has simply moved on and forgotten about them.” The silence has heightened fears that some captives may have died due to harsh conditions in the forest where they are believed to be held. “We are particularly worried about the pregnant women and the children,” Aliyu added. “Some of them were already weak before they were abducted. If they are in the bush without food, water or medical care, how can they survive for this long?” Another resident said many families are struggling to cope with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their relatives. “Our hearts are heavy every day,” the source said. “We don’t know whether our people are alive or dead. We are begging the government to do something because we cannot continue living like this.” The resident also noted that many families are losing hope due to the absence of clear updates from authorities. “We are losing hope because nobody is telling us the truth about the current situation,” they said. “The government knows what these terrorists want. They want money, and what we are hearing so far is that the government is not willing to negotiate with them.” Earlier, suspected Boko Haram terrorists released a video showing dozens of abducted victims, including women and children, allegedly taken from the Woro community. In the footage, a gunman questioned the captives, asking them to identify where they were kidnapped. Several women, including a nursing mother, confirmed they were abducted from the Woro community. The captives appeared distressed, their clothes dirty and worn, and some children were without trousers, suggesting harsh conditions. The gunman accused the Kwara State Government of misrepresenting the number of people abducted, claiming the state reported 20 to 30 kidnappings, while insisting that 176 people were in their custody. The Kwara government, through the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said it was concerned about the footage and was working to verify the identities of those shown. “As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted,” the statement read. The government added that conflicting reports on the number of abducted persons made it difficult to release a definitive figure. However, families of the victims told Legit.ng they have yet to receive meaningful updates regarding rescue efforts. The abductions followed a deadly attack on the Woro community earlier this year, when suspected terrorists stormed the settlement, killing several residents, including two wives of the Emir of Woro, members of his family, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress, and students returning home from school. Witnesses said the attackers shot indiscriminately, burned homes, and seized the Emir’s official vehicle to transport abducted victims. Survivors reported that armed men later returned to the community, killing additional residents who had survived or returned to check on their homes. Over 100 residents were reportedly killed after suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked the Woro community on January 3, targeting those who rejected their extremist ideology. The attackers, allegedly linked to a Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction, carried out the massacre following prior threats to the community, prompting mass displacement as residents fled for safety.