The Kwara State Government has expressed deep concern over a video showing more than 170 people, including children, allegedly kidnapped during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Released by the attackers on Saturday, the footage depicted women and children being held captive while speaking in Hausa. In the video, the abductors claimed that the victims were taken from Woro community and accused the state government of understating the number of people kidnapped, disputing earlier reports that only 20 individuals had been abducted.
While describing the video as disturbing, the state government said it is working closely with security agencies and community leaders to verify the identities of the people shown. A statement by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, indicated that a few individuals in the footage have been preliminarily confirmed as residents of Woro, but the total number of missing persons remains unclear.
The government added that some of those initially reported missing have been reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State. However, representatives from Woro community maintain that several people remain unaccounted for.
“As always, our thoughts are with the affected families, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safe return of all those impacted”, the statement said.
It added, “We acknowledge the anxiety this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully reviewing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown. Since the incident, varying reports have emerged regarding the number of people abducted. Neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure, as our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and bringing those responsible to justice.
“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals in the footage. While some persons have been preliminarily identified, community representatives indicate that others remain missing. It is important to note that some people reported missing have reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily moved to neighbouring communities”.
The government said efforts to rescue the remaining missing residents and provide support to affected families are ongoing, with security agencies intensifying operations in the area.
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