Following the release of another video depicting kidnapped villagers from Woro and nearby areas in Kaiama Local Government Area, residents of Kwara State are experiencing renewed concern as the victims beg for government assistance.
The most recent video that was released sparked national indignation and demonstrated the scope of the February 3 attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku towns, which resulted in numerous fatalities and kidnappings.
In the old video, women and children said to have been abducted during the assault were shown sitting in rows with armed men questioning them about their identities and origins while speaking Hausa.
Concern was raised throughout the state when some elderly women in the previous video acknowledged they were from Woro in Kaiama LGA.
While some families continued to look for their loved ones in the face of uncertainties regarding the precise number of individuals kidnapped, several identified relatives among the detainees.
The first video was used by the accused abductors, who are thought to be connected to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, to refute official statements regarding the scope of the kidnapping and accuse authorities of downplaying the number of victims.
They claimed that there were between 25 to 30 people kidnapped. One of the armed men was heard stating in Hausa, “Let them look here.” “Ask them how many they are.”
Some of the ladies said, “We are 174,” while another part of the video implied that the number might be as high as 176, raising doubts that the actual scope of the kidnapping may have been far more than first thought.
Residents were reassured by the Kwara State Government that security authorities were trying to confirm the identity of people seen and step up rescue efforts, acknowledging the pain the earlier footage had caused.
Bolanle Olukoju, the Commissioner for Communications, issued a statement saying, “The Kwara State Government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video allegedly showing persons abducted during the February 3 attack.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted, and our thoughts are with all the families affected,” she continued.
But after more than two months in captivity, a new video that revealed a much bigger group of abductees—mostly women and children—took a more concerning turn.
The victims were shown assembled at an unnamed location in the latest video. Many of them were frail, hungry, and fatigued, and their clothes were obviously torn and unclean, indicating protracted struggle and declining living conditions.
A teenage woman spoke in shaky English, “We are pleading with you; this is our last chance.” Since February 3rd, we have been here. Come to our aid, please.
Beyond the numbers, it was noted that the footage’s emotional impact came from the victims’ continuous cries, many of which emphasized the presence of sick people, toddlers, and pregnant women.
Another prisoner stated in Yoruba, “We have small children with us, and some women are pregnant.” “Please assist us, Oyo State Government and Kwara State Government. This is the final opportunity they offered us.
While letting the victims talk, one of the armed men in the background took credit for the kidnapping.
“They were abducted by us. We have given them this chance to speak to their administration because they have been pleading with us,” he stated.
Concerns regarding potential indoctrination during their captivity were raised by some of the abducted victims’ utterances that suggested extended exposure to ideological lectures.
One woman remarked, “They teach us things we did not know before.” “But we are still pleading with you to come save us.”
Messages made to the Kwara State Police Command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, have not been returned as of the time of publication, thus attempts to get a response were futile.
