Fear and tension have gripped Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after gunmen reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum, threatening to kill 176 abducted residents.
The warning was confirmed by the community’s traditional ruler, Salihu Bio, whose wife is also among those being held captive.
Ultimatum sparks panic
According to the monarch, the abductees were allowed to communicate with their families, during which they relayed the threat from their captors.
He explained that the gunmen expressed anger over what they described as a lack of serious effort from the government to secure their release.
The ultimatum, he said, was issued shortly after a Friday prayer session with the victims.
Disturbing details from captives
One of the victims, who reportedly spoke with her family, said they were still alive but living under strict control.
She revealed that the captors had been teaching them Arabic and Islamic practices while in captivity.
More worrying, however, was the message allegedly passed to them — that if nothing is done within a week, the women may be forcefully married off, while those considered weak could be killed.
Growing security concerns
The development has raised fresh concerns about safety in parts of Kwara State and the increasing boldness of armed groups operating in rural areas.
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention to secure the safe release of the victims before the deadline expires.
Call for urgent action
With time running out, pressure is mounting on authorities to respond quickly and prevent what could turn into a tragic outcome.
The situation remains tense as families of the abducted victims wait anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring their loved ones back safely.
