Nearly six months after scores of residents were abducted by armed attackers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, relatives of the victims say hope of securing their release through negotiations is fading after kidnappers allegedly rejected more than ₦155 million raised by affected communities.
The families, who appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies for urgent intervention, said they now fear for the safety of the 176 people still believed to be in captivity following fresh threats allegedly issued by their abductors.
In an emotional video obtained by PUNCH Metro, community representatives said residents exhausted their savings, sold personal belongings and organised community-wide fundraising efforts to meet the kidnappers’ demands. They claimed the money was ultimately rejected, leaving families devastated and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Abdul Ibrahim said local leaders had explored every available option, including negotiations and public appeals, without securing the release of any of the captives.
“We contributed more than ₦155 million because we believed it would bring our people home. Instead, the money was rejected and the suffering has continued,” Ibrahim said.
He appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to launch a decisive rescue operation, arguing that community efforts had reached their limits. Ibrahim also alleged that the abductors threatened to kill some captives while forcing some female victims into marriage, claims that have not been independently verified.
Also speaking, the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, urged security agencies to intensify operations in the affected communities. He said the recent rescue of abductees in neighbouring Oyo State had renewed hope that a similar operation could be carried out in Kwara.
“No Nigerian community should be left to face this kind of tragedy alone. If people could be rescued elsewhere, our people should not be forgotten,” Bukata said.
The victims were abducted on February 3, 2026, when heavily armed assailants attacked Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The assault reportedly claimed several lives before the attackers fled with dozens of residents into nearby forests.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Central and North West, where criminal groups continue to target rural communities, commuters and schools despite ongoing military and police operations.
