‘Our loved ones still in captivity despite raising N155m ransom’ — Kidnap victims’ families

Five months after a brutal attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, families of abducted residents are pleading for urgent government intervention. Over 176 people remain in captivity despite the community raising N155 million in ransom.

Alhaji Abdul Ibrahim, speaking for the affected families, revealed that the kidnappers rejected the substantial ransom amount. "We raised N155 million and took it to them, but they refused to accept it, saying it was not enough," he stated. "We returned with the money and have not heard from our relatives since." The community now appeals to both the Federal and Kwara State governments for rescue.

Survivors and community leaders describe the February 3 attack as one of the worst in recent years. More than 100 heavily armed assailants reportedly killed over 260 people, burnt more than 30 houses, and abducted 176 residents. The attack is believed to have been triggered by residents' rejection of an extremist religious presence in the area.

Adding to the families' distress, victims from a separate kidnapping in neighboring Oyo State were rescued by security forces. This stark contrast has left the Woro abductees' families feeling neglected. Residents recently staged a peaceful protest to highlight the plight of the captives, many of whom are women, children, and nursing mothers. There are unverified allegations that kidnappers threatened to force young women into marriage and kill others.

The lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Sa’idu Baba Ahmed, urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts. The ongoing insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, characterized by mass killings and kidnappings for ransom, continues to plague rural communities despite security operations.

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We raised N155 million and took it to them, but they refused to accept it, saying it was not enough. We returned with the money and have not heard from our relatives since. We appeal to the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to rescue them because there is nothing more we can do.