Gunmen have threatened to kill 176 residents abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State within one week if their demands are not met, community leaders said on Monday.
The traditional ruler of the community, Salihu Bio, whose wife is among those kidnapped, confirmed the threat, saying the message was relayed by the captives after observing Friday prayers with their abductors. “They said after the prayers that if nothing is done within a week, they will start killing them,” he stated.
According to him, the abductors complained about what they described as a lack of urgency from authorities in negotiating the victims’ release, despite the resources required to keep them alive. One of the abductees was briefly allowed to contact her family, confirming that the victims were still alive. She said the captives were being subjected to religious teachings, including Arabic and Islamic studies, while in captivity.
The attackers, reportedly identified by community sources as members of Boko Haram, also warned that they could begin marrying off female captives and killing those considered too weak if their demands were not met within the ultimatum period.
The mass abduction follows a series of attacks in parts of Kwara’s northern axis, raising concerns over the spread of insurgent activity into Nigeria’s north-central region, which has traditionally seen less militant violence compared to the northeast. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest threat, though security agencies have previously said efforts were underway to secure the release of those abducted.
Residents say the ultimatum has heightened fear in the community, with families calling for urgent government intervention to prevent the threatened killings and ensure the safe return of the captives.
