By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
CAPTIVITY REMAINS for about 176 women and children taken during the February 3 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that footage circulating on social media showed the abductees being paraded by their kidnappers.
In the video, two elderly women identified themselves as victims of the Woro attack. They said they were among those seized and stated that 176 people were being held in the terrorists’ den, according to The Nation newspaper report.
The Kwara State Government had said it was working with security agencies and other stakeholders to secure the victims’ release.
Communications Commissioner Bolanle Olukoju said in a statement that “the state government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.”
It further reads: “As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.
“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown.
“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro.
“Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for.
“It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
“The government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.
“We assure the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders.
“We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities,” the statement concludes.
