Families of victims abducted during a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to secure the release of their loved ones after kidnappers reportedly rejected a ransom of N155 million.
The victims were kidnapped during an attack on February 3, 2026, when community leaders said more than 100 armed men invaded the two communities.
They alleged that over 260 people were killed, more than 30 houses were set ablaze, and 176 residents were abducted.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, a representative of the affected families, Alhaji Abdul Ibrahim, said he lost 10 relatives in the attack and still has 35 family members in captivity.
According to him, the community raised N155 million in response to the kidnappers’ ransom demand, but the abductors refused to accept the money, insisting it was insufficient.
“We raised N155 million and took it to them, but they refused to accept it, saying it was not enough.
We returned with the money and have not heard from our relatives since.
We appeal to the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to rescue them because there is nothing more we can do,” he said.
It is important to note that Nigerian law prohibits the payment of ransom to kidnappers.
The families expressed frustration that, while security agencies recently rescued victims abducted in a separate incident in neighbouring Oyo State, those taken from Woro and Nuku remain in captivity.
Another community leader, Alhaji Sulaiman Bukata, said residents recently staged a peaceful protest to demand urgent government intervention.
He also alleged that the kidnappers threatened to force some young women into marriage and kill others if authorities failed to act. However, this claim has not been independently verified.
The member representing the area in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Sa’idu Baba Ahmed, called on the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts, saying the prolonged captivity has worsened the suffering of the affected families.
