The traditional ruler of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Salihu Bio, has raised concerns over the safety of 176 women and children reportedly abducted by suspected terrorists, saying the captors threatened to harm the victims within one week if their demands are not met.
Bio, whose wife is among those held, told journalists that the message was relayed after one of the abductees was allowed to contact her family. According to him, the victims said the threat followed a Friday prayer session, during which the attackers expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of response to their demands.
He added that the abductee informed relatives that the victims were still alive at the time of the call. Community sources also alleged that the captors warned they might take further actions if no agreement is reached within the stated timeframe.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents and families of the victims, who are calling for urgent government intervention. Some community members said the abductees included women and children taken from Woro and nearby settlements.
A video circulating online purportedly shows an armed individual claiming responsibility for the abduction and urging authorities to respond. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
