Thirteen individuals remain unaccounted for after 163 people were released from captivity following a mass abduction on February 3, 2026. Initially, 176 residents, primarily women and children, were seized by armed bandits during attacks on the Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Yakubu Salihu, the National Chairman of the Kaiama Department Association, confirmed that while most captives regained their freedom after six months, 13 people are still missing. Salihu noted that some women gave birth during their time in custody, highlighting the severe trauma experienced by the victims.
The survivors are presently in Niger State and are scheduled to return to Kwara by Saturday for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Expressing ongoing concerns regarding regional safety, Salihu urged the Federal Government to accelerate the deployment of an army battalion in Kaiama. He stated that current security forces are insufficient and overextended, making the area prone to violence. The community has offered to provide a site and necessary support to expedite the military base’s arrival. Additionally, Salihu highlighted the urgent need to repair local road networks, which he identified as a significant obstacle to both security operations and regional economic growth.
