The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of residents abducted during the recent attack on Woro community, following the circulation of a disturbing video showing victims in captivity.
The video, which surfaced online, showed several abducted persons appearing weak and unkempt while being questioned by armed men in Hausa. Among those identified was the wife of Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, the village head of Woro, who was seen standing with a baby in her arms.
A resident of the community, who spoke anonymously, confirmed her identity, saying she was the only person he could clearly recognise in the footage.
In the video, the abductors claimed they were holding 176 persons, disputing earlier reports suggesting that about 30 people were taken. The victims, while responding to questions, narrated their experiences in captivity.
Reacting to the development, the state government expressed deep concern over the video and assured families that efforts were ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, the government said it was working with community leaders and security agencies to identify those seen in the footage.
The government noted that different figures had been reported regarding the number of abducted persons, explaining that no official number had been confirmed because rescue efforts remained the priority.
According to the statement, some individuals initially declared missing had since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
The government added that its response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, was collaborating with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate rescue operations and provide humanitarian support.
Residents were urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with authorities, with assurances that verified updates would be provided.
Meanwhile, tension has gripped Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities in Oyun Local Government Area following the discovery of a letter warning of an impending attack.
The letter, allegedly written by a group calling itself the “Nigeria Terrorist Association,” was dropped at Ira market on Thursday by two unidentified men on a motorcycle.
The message threatened violence and warned residents to prepare for an attack, claiming the group had already gathered intelligence on the communities.
A traditional chief in Ira said the letter was discovered at a motorcycle park near the central mosque and was quickly taken to the palace of the traditional ruler, who alerted security agencies.
He confirmed that officers of the Department of State Services, police, and other security personnel had since been deployed to the affected communities, while patrols had been intensified.
Despite the increased security presence, fear has forced some residents to flee to neighbouring towns for safety.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, said the threat had created panic, with some residents relocating to Offa and other nearby communities.
He added that local authorities and traditional rulers had met with security officials to develop strategies to protect lives and property.
Similarly, the National Secretary of Ira Descendants Union, Yekini Olarewaju, said the situation had disrupted daily activities, with schools and businesses temporarily shut down.
He noted that farmers were unable to visit their farms due to fear, while local vigilantes had intensified surveillance of surrounding areas.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, confirmed that the police had received the letter and commenced an investigation to determine its authenticity and origin.
She said additional security personnel had been deployed, and residents were encouraged to provide any useful information to assist ongoing investigations.
Also, the Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, Akanbi Olarewaju, convened an emergency security meeting with traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders to address the threat.
His Chief Press Secretary, Owodunni Adekunle, said the council took the proactive step to ensure public safety while security agencies continued efforts to verify the credibility of the letter.
Authorities have assured residents of their commitment to protecting lives and restoring calm across the affected communities.
Kwara Government Vows Safe Return of Abductees as Fresh Attack Threat Sparks Panic in Oyun Communities
