Terrorists Threaten To Kill 176 Kwara Hostages Within One Week

Terrorists Threaten To Kill 176 Kwara Hostages Within One Week

Tension has escalated in Kwara State after terrorists holding 176 abducted residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area reportedly threatened to begin killing the captives within one week if their demands are not met.

The alarming warning was disclosed by the traditional ruler of Woro, Salihu Bio, whose wife is among the victims currently being held by the insurgents.

According to the monarch, the terrorists communicated the threat after a Jumu’ah prayer session held last Friday inside their hideout.

Bio said one of the abductees was later allowed to contact family members by telephone on Saturday to confirm that the victims were still alive.

The caller reportedly revealed that the captives, mostly women and children, were being subjected to Arabic lessons and Islamic indoctrination while in captivity.

“The abductees told us that after the Friday prayers, the terrorists said the government was not taking the issue seriously. They warned that if nothing happens within one week, they will start taking drastic actions,” the monarch stated.

Community leaders said the terrorists, believed to be members of Boko Haram, expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s alleged silence and lack of negotiation efforts since the abduction occurred earlier this year.

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According to sources within the community, the insurgents complained about the burden of feeding and keeping the large number of captives, insisting that authorities had failed to engage them meaningfully despite repeated attempts to draw attention to the situation.

More disturbing details reportedly emerged from conversations with the abductees.

The terrorists allegedly threatened to forcibly marry off some of the female captives and execute weaker victims if no agreement is reached before the deadline expires.

One community source described the situation as heartbreaking, saying families were living in fear and uncertainty.

“These are our wives, daughters and children. We are helpless because the terrorists are threatening to kill them or force them into marriage,” the source said.

The latest development has heightened panic across Kaiama Local Government Area and neighbouring communities already traumatised by repeated attacks linked to insurgent groups operating around the Kainji Lake National Park axis.

Security analysts have increasingly warned about the growing infiltration of extremist groups into parts of North-Central Nigeria, particularly forested areas spanning Kwara and Niger states.

The mass abduction followed deadly attacks earlier in 2026 in which dozens of villagers were reportedly killed while homes and properties were destroyed during coordinated raids on communities in Kaiama axis.

Videos previously circulated online by the terrorists showed large numbers of women and children seated in open areas while armed men issued threats and accused the government of ignoring their demands.

Despite mounting pressure from residents and civil society groups, there has been no official public statement yet from the Federal Government or security agencies regarding the fresh ultimatum.

Community leaders, religious groups and affected families are now calling for urgent intervention to secure the release of the hostages before the deadline expires.

They also appealed for stronger military operations and intelligence gathering to prevent extremist groups from establishing deeper roots in Kwara State and other parts of North-Central Nigeria.

Terrorists Threaten To Kill 176 Kwara Hostages Within One Week