‘This is our last chance’ — abducted Kwara women, children beg for help

A group of women and children abducted from communities in Kwara state have appealed to the government to secure their release, describing their situation as urgent and life-threatening.

The victims were taken during coordinated attacks on Woro and surrounding settlements in Kaiama LGA in early February.

The assault, which also affected nearby communities including Nuku, left many dead and forced many residents to flee after homes were destroyed.

In a video that surfaced on Tuesday, the abductees appeared in a remote location, visibly weak and exhausted, as they made a collective plea for intervention.

Advertisement
Many of the victims, including young children, stood closely together while one woman spoke on behalf of the group.

She said they had been in captivity since February 3 and warned that time was running out for them.

“We are from Woro in Kaiama local government. We were taken on February 3, and today is April 8. This is the last opportunity they have given us,” she said.

Advertisement
The woman added that the group includes pregnant women and individuals suffering from health complications, including anaemia, and urged authorities to act swiftly.

“We have small children here and women who are pregnant. Some among us are sick. We are pleading for help,” she said.

Although she noted that the captors had provided them with food and water, she noted that their continued captivity remained distressing and uncertain.

“They are not harming us, and they are giving us food and water, but we are still begging you to help us. This is our last chance,” she added.

The attack that led to the abduction was one of the deadliest incidents recorded in the area in recent months.

It was reported that gunmen stormed the communities, killing at least 75 people and setting houses ablaze.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from federal or state authorities regarding the video.