At least 25 of the 176 residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in February 2024 have died while in captivity, according to survivors released on Wednesday. The victims, held by armed bandits for over six months, were among more than 300 people rescued across Kwara and Niger States in a joint security operation. One of the 163 survivors from Woro community revealed that three others were bitten by snakes during their ordeal, adding to the horrors they endured in the remote forest camps.
The rescue mission, carried out by Nigerian security forces, marked a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the North Central region. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including severe malnutrition, lack of medical care, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Two women reportedly gave birth while in captivity, returning with newborns who received no proper medical attention throughout the ordeal. These details underscore the dire humanitarian crisis faced by abduction victims in the region.
Kwara State Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the arrival of the 163 rescued individuals in Ilorin. She emphasized that the state government would facilitate their reunification with families after thorough medical examinations. When asked whether ransom was paid for their release, Olukoju stated firmly that the victims were freed through military intervention, not financial negotiation. “The most important thing is that the victims gained their freedom,” she told BBC correspondents.
The mass abduction in February had sent shockwaves across Nigeria, drawing national attention to the growing insecurity in rural communities. Families had pleaded for help as communication lines were cut off and updates scarce. The successful rescue operation has brought relief to many, but also highlighted the need for sustained security measures to prevent future abductions. Authorities are now working to provide psychological support and rehabilitation services to the survivors.
This incident reflects the persistent threat of armed banditry in Nigeria’s northern states, where criminal networks often operate with near-total impunity. The release of these victims is a victory for security forces, but the deaths of 25 individuals remind the nation of the human cost of prolonged insecurity. As the government continues to strengthen its response, the focus remains on ensuring lasting peace and protection for vulnerable communities.
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