Gunmen who abducted 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have threatened to kill the captives if their demands are not met within a week, according to local authorities.
The traditional ruler of the community, Salihu Bio, told Channels TV that the message was relayed through the victims following a Friday Jumu’ah prayer session with their captors. His wife is among those currently held.
According to him, the attackers expressed frustration over what they described as the Federal Government of Nigeria’s lack of urgency in negotiating the victims’ release, despite resources allegedly being used to keep them alive.
One of the abductees was reportedly allowed to contact her family by phone on Saturday, April 25, confirming that the group remained alive. She also stated that the captors, believed to be linked to Boko Haram, had been instructing them in Arabic and Islamic teachings.
The monarch said the abductee further relayed that the gunmen issued a clear ultimatum after the prayer session, warning that if no action is taken within a week, the women among the captives would be forcibly married off, while those considered physically weak could be killed.
The incident has heightened fears in the community and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, as families continue to await government intervention.