Families of 176 people abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls for urgent government intervention after the captors allegedly threatened to force female captives into marriage and kill the remaining hostages if their demands are not met.
The latest appeal comes nearly six months after the mass abduction, with relatives saying the victims remain in captivity despite desperate efforts to secure their release. Community members say they have exhausted virtually every available option, including raising a ransom through crowdfunding, but without success.
Families Say ₦155 Million Ransom Was Rejected
According to community representatives, residents raised more than ₦155 million in a desperate bid to free their loved ones. However, the kidnappers allegedly rejected the money.
Speaking in an interview monitored by the BBC Hausa Service and reported by multiple media outlets, community members said the terrorists warned that they would “marry the beautiful ones and kill the rest” if their demands continued to be ignored.
Relatives Appeal to Federal Government
Family members have appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts before the captors carry out their threats.
They argued that the successful rescue of abductees in other parts of the country demonstrates that similar operations can be mounted to secure the release of those still being held in Woro.
Growing Humanitarian Concern
The plight of the captives has heightened concerns over the humanitarian impact of prolonged kidnappings in parts of northern Nigeria.
Relatives say many of those being held are women and children who have endured months in captivity under harsh conditions, with uncertainty surrounding their safety and welfare.
Authorities Yet to Announce Rescue Operation
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official announcement of a successful rescue operation involving the 176 captives.
The families continue to urge security agencies to act swiftly, warning that every passing day increases the danger facing those still in captivity.