A viral video released by Boko Haram militants, showing dozens of emaciated captives—including women and children—from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, has intensified fears over the fate of victims abducted during the February 3 attack.
The footage, which surfaced recently, features terrorists interrogating victims in Hausa, with captives narrating their experiences. One identifiable person is the wife of Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, the village head of Woro, seen holding a baby in front of the camera.
In the video, the group claims to hold 176 individuals, refuting the Kwara Stategovernment’s earlier suggestion of fewer abductions. They accused authorities of spreading “propaganda” by underreporting the number.
The Kwara State government, through Commissioner for Information and Communications Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, expressed deep concern and reaffirmed its dedication to the victims’ safe return. Officials are analyzing the video with community leaders to confirm identities, noting that some initially reported missing persons have reunited with families or relocated to areas like Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
The statement urged calm, avoidance of unverified information, and cooperation with security forces. A response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues coordinating humanitarian aid and rescue efforts with agencies and stakeholders.
The attack on Woro and nearby Nuku killed over 160 residents, attributed to Boko Haram after the community rejected extremist demands.
In a separate but related development, panic has spread in Oyun Local Government Area, where residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho are fleeing following a threatening letter dropped at Ira market on Thursday. Purportedly from a group self-named “Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA)”, the poorly written note warns of impending raids, claiming the group has shifted from Kaiama to these areas.
A traditional chief in Ira, speaking anonymously, said the letter was delivered by two suspects on a motorcycle near the central mosque around 2:30 p.m. It was taken to the palace, prompting a swift security response from DSS, police, soldiers, and NSCDC, who are now patrolling.
Despite reinforcements, fear persists, with farms abandoned, schools closed, businesses shut, and some residents relocating to places like Offa. Vigilantes, currently training in Ilorin, are requested to return home.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, confirmed heightened tension linked to the recent Kaiama massacre, with patrols ongoing.
National Secretary of Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, reported disrupted activities and calls for urgent government intervention.
Kwara State Police spokesperson Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi confirmed the letter’s receipt, stating intelligence units are verifying its authenticity while patrols have intensified. Commissioner Adekimi Ojo appealed for credible tips.
Oyun LGA Chairman Akanbi Olarewaju held an emergency meeting with stakeholders to prioritize safety, as confirmed by Chief Press Secretary Owodunni Adekunle. Authorities continue probing the letter’s source amid ongoing security operations.
