Suspected militants linked to Boko Haram have issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to kill dozens of abductees taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State if their demands are not met.
According to reports, about 176 women and children were kidnapped on February 3, with the attackers demanding more than ₦3 billion for their release.
The traditional ruler of the community, Salihu Bio, whose wife is among those abducted, confirmed the latest threat on Monday.
He said the warning was delivered through the captives after Jumu’ah prayers last Friday.
“The abductees told us that the terrorists said the government is not taking the matter seriously.
They warned that if nothing is done within one week, they will begin to take drastic actions,” he said.
Bio also disclosed that one of the victims was allowed to contact her family over the weekend, assuring them that the group was still alive.
According to him, the captors claimed they had been spending resources to feed the abductees and were frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations.
Reports indicate that in recent videos released earlier this month, the victims—many of them women and children—appeared exhausted and distressed, wearing soiled clothing and gathered under the watch of armed men.
A community source further revealed that the kidnappers threatened to forcibly marry off some of the girls and kill those they consider a burden if their demands are not met within the deadline.
Families in the affected community have expressed fear and helplessness as they await action from authorities to secure the release of their loved ones.
WATCH: Kwara South Communities Protest ‘Bandits Siege’ As Terrorists Sack Over 23 Villages pic.twitter.com/agJ02uxyTV
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 24, 2026
