Five months after a devastating assault in Kwara State, families of the victims report that a ransom of N155 million failed to secure the return of their kidnapped relatives. On February 3, 2026, over 100 armed individuals reportedly raided the Woro and Nuku communities located in the Kaiama Local Government Area. Community representatives estimate that 260 people were killed, 30 homes were destroyed, and 176 residents were taken hostage during the attack.
Alhaji Abdul Ibrahim, a spokesperson for the impacted families, noted that he has 35 relatives still held captive after already suffering the loss of 10 family members. According to Ibrahim, the kidnappers turned down the N155 million gathered by the community, claiming the amount was insufficient. Since that rejection, communication with the captors has ceased. Ibrahim and other families are now urging federal and state authorities to intervene, as paying ransom is prohibited by Nigerian law and they have exhausted their own resources.
The families expressed frustration that security forces successfully liberated captives in Oyo State while their own relatives remain in danger. Another leader, Alhaji Sulaiman Bukata, mentioned that residents organized a protest to push for government assistance, citing unverified reports that the captors threatened to force women into marriage and harm other hostages. Hon. Sa’idu Baba Ahmed, the state lawmaker for the district, has formally requested that the federal government intensify rescue operations to alleviate the ongoing distress of the victims’ families.
