Tension has escalated in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after terrorists released a disturbing video allegedly showing more than 170 abductees taken during the February 3 attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.
The viral footage, which began circulating on Facebook on Saturday, showed rows of women and children surrounded by heavily armed men speaking Hausa. The captives were interrogated about their community, local government, and state of origin.
Two elderly women identified their community as Woro in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.
174 or 176? Conflicting Abductee Figures Raise Concern
During the interrogation, the terrorists accused the government of downplaying the scale of the abduction, claiming authorities had earlier suggested that only 25 to 30 persons were taken.
When asked how many were in captivity, the women responded that they were 174 abductees, although one later mentioned 176 in a separate part of the video.
Security sources confirmed that the individuals in the footage were part of a different group from those previously rescued.
“This is another set of people different from those we earlier rescued. Efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” a credible security source disclosed.
Suspected Terror Group Identified
The attackers are suspected to be a faction of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, reportedly led by Saidu Abubakar, also known as Sadiku.
The group allegedly carried out the deadly February 3 raid that has been described as one of the worst security incidents in Kwara State in recent years.
Kwara Government Reacts to Viral Terror Video
Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Government expressed deep concern over the footage.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government confirmed it was working with security agencies to verify the identities of those shown in the video.
“Our thoughts are with the families affected. We reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted,” the statement read.
Olukoju noted that conflicting accounts regarding the number of abductees have made it difficult for the government to announce an official figure.
She added that community leaders in Woro had been engaged to assist with identifying individuals seen in the footage.
Some persons earlier declared missing have reportedly reunited with their families, while others may have relocated temporarily to nearby communities such as Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
Rescue Operation Underway in Kaiama LGA
The government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, is coordinating rescue operations alongside security agencies and local authorities.
The Special Assistant on Media to Kaiama LGA, ZulQharnain Musa, confirmed that plans for a rescue operation were underway, though no official announcement had been made.
Security operatives are reportedly combing surrounding forests, while military patrols continue across Woro and adjoining communities.
Recap: The February 3 Woro and Nuku Attack
The resurfaced video has reignited painful memories of the February 3 terror attack on Woro and Nuku communities.
Gunmen riding motorcycles reportedly stormed Woro around 6pm, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. Survivors said the attackers invaded the Emir’s palace, killed several residents, and abducted women and children.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with some victims executed on the spot while others were forced into the forest at gunpoint.
In the aftermath, more than 200 bodies were reportedly recovered, with mass burials conducted under heightened security presence.
