Tension is rising in Kwara State as terrorists holding 176 abducted residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area have issued a chilling ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The attackers warned they would begin killing the captives within one week if their demands are not met, according to the community’s traditional ruler, Salihu Bio.
Bio, whose wife is among those abducted, disclosed that the threat was communicated to families after a Jumu’ah prayer session held by the captors on Friday. He said one of the victims was permitted to contact her relatives on Saturday, confirming that all abductees were still alive.
However, the situation remains dire. The hostage revealed that the terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, have been indoctrinating captives with Arabic teachings and Islamic studies.
According to Bio, the abductors expressed anger over what they described as the Federal Government’s lack of urgency in negotiating the release of the victims. They claimed significant resources were being spent to keep the hostages alive without any meaningful engagement from authorities.
The threat has heightened fear across the Woro community and beyond. Families now face a race against time as the one-week deadline approaches.
More disturbing details emerged from the victims’ account. After the Friday prayers, the terrorists reportedly declared that if no progress is made, they would forcibly marry off the women and execute weaker captives.
The development has intensified calls for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the Kwara kidnap victims and prevent a potential tragedy.
Residents and local leaders are urging swift negotiations and a stronger security response to avoid further loss of life in the region, which has seen rising insecurity in recent years.
