Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into panic following the emergence of a chilling video showing more than 170 women and children seized by terrorists during the deadly February 3 raid on Woro and Nuku communities.
The clip, which went viral on Facebook on Saturday, displayed the captives seated in multiple rows at an undisclosed location, while armed men speaking Hausa subjected them to interrogation.
The gunmen, believed to belong to a splinter group of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad under the command of Saidu Abubakar, alias Sadiku, ridiculed the government for allegedly minimising the scale of the abduction.
The footage captured two elderly female captives acknowledging they were taken from Kaiama.
Under questioning about their origin, they stated, “Woro,” “Kaiama,” and “Kwara State.”
At one point, a terrorist charged that authorities were engaged in propaganda by suggesting only between 25 and 30 people had been kidnapped.
The abductees were subsequently ordered to reveal their actual numbers. Most answered 174, though one elderly victim later stated 176.
A reliable security operative speaking to Sunday PUNCH verified that the individuals shown were abduction victims from the state, distinct from an earlier group that had been freed.
“What I can confirm is that these are different victims from those previously rescued. Rescue operations are currently in progress.”
The Kwara state government announced that they were collaborating with security forces and community leaders to examine the footage and establish the identities of those featured.
In a Saturday statement, the state’s Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, expressed grave concern over the video’s contents.
“We are profoundly troubled by the video circulated by terrorists today, purportedly displaying individuals seized during the unfortunate February 3 assault on Woro community. Our sympathies remain with affected families, and we remain resolute in our determination to ensure everyone’s safe recovery,” she stated.
Olukoju recognised that the footage would heighten public anxiety, emphasising that security operatives were conducting thorough analysis.
She noted that conflicting reports regarding the number of kidnapped individuals had prevented officials from releasing precise figures.
“This explains why neither state authorities nor security establishments have provided exact numbers. Our primary focus is rescuing all affected persons safely and prosecuting the perpetrators,” her statement indicated.
She revealed that traditional leaders from Woro had been enlisted to help identify captives appearing in the recording.
“Presently, several individuals in the video have been tentatively recognised as Woro residents. Local representatives have further suggested that additional persons remain missing,” she disclosed.
The commissioner noted that some initially listed as missing had reunited with relatives, while others possibly sought refuge in nearby settlements including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
She said a government response team, under the leadership of His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, was partnering with security personnel and local officials to organise rescue missions and provide humanitarian assistance.
ZulQharnain Musa, Special Assistant on Media to Kaiama Local Government, informed Sunday PUNCH that plans for a rescue mission were being finalised.
“Information reaching me indicates the government is preparing a rescue mission, though no official announcement has been made,” he revealed.
He disclosed that security personnel were continuing to search neighbouring forests for more victims, whilst military units maintained constant surveillance across Woro and surrounding areas.
The video’s release has revived painful memories of the February 3 assault on Woro and Nuku communities, marking one of the most devastating attacks ever witnessed in Kwara State.
Motorcycle-riding gunmen allegedly invaded Woro approximately 6pm, shooting randomly and torching residential buildings.
Those who survived recounted how the assailants advanced to the Emir’s residence, executing numerous people before dragging others away.
Witnesses narrated how women and children were gathered during the onslaught, with certain victims killed immediately whilst others were marched into surrounding forests under armed guard.
Following the attack, over 200 corpses were allegedly retrieved, leading to mass funerals conducted under heavy security deployment.
