Terrorists Release Disturbing Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents
A chilling video released by terrorists has surfaced, showing dozens of residents abducted during a recent brutal invasion of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The footage, which has been shared with media outlets, depicts the abductees, primarily women and children, pleading for urgent government intervention to secure their release. Families of the victims are now making desperate appeals to authorities, warning that the lives of the captives are in grave danger as no ransom demands or contact have been established by the terrorists.
Deadly Attack Leaves Community Devastated
The video release follows a horrific assault on Woro community, suspected to be carried out by terrorists linked to Boko Haram. Survivors recount that the attackers stormed the village in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. The assault resulted in significant casualties, with many residents trapped and burned alive inside their houses. Community sources describe the incident as one of the deadliest in the area, noting that men, women, and children were targeted without mercy.
Among those reported killed were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam, a school principal, a headmistress, and numerous students. The Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, remains missing since the attack, raising serious concerns about his safety and whereabouts. Residents allege that the terrorists, believed to be part of a Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction operating in the Sahel region, had previously threatened the community with a warning letter demanding acceptance of their extremist ideology, which was rejected.
Government Response and Disputed Casualty Figures
In response to the attack, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that at least 75 people were killed, describing the victims as locals who refused to surrender to extremist beliefs. He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to launch counter-offensives in the area. However, community members dispute the official death toll, insisting that over 100 corpses have been counted, with dozens still missing and some bodies burned beyond recognition.
The release of the abduction video has intensified the anguish among families, who are renewing calls for swift government action to rescue their loved ones. As security operations continue, fear has spread to surrounding communities, prompting many residents to flee their homes over concerns of potential further attacks. The situation highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the urgent need for effective measures to protect civilians and combat terrorism.
