Residents of Woro community in Kwara State have raised alarm after suspected Boko Haram fighters reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to secure the release of 176 abducted women and children or face mass execution threats.
Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fresh alarm after terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to secure the release of 176 abducted women and children or risk mass execution. Community members and families of the victims told SaharaReporters the abductees relayed the threat after a Jumu’ah prayer session with their captors on Friday, with the insurgents reportedly expressing frustration over what they described as the government’s lack of seriousness in negotiating their release.
“The terrorists allowed one of the abductees to call her family on Saturday and she confirmed to us that they were all fine and that the Boko Haram people have been teaching them Arabic and Islamic knowledge. She said after Jumu’ah prayer on Friday, the terrorists told them clearly that the government was not taking the matter seriously,” a resident told SaharaReporters. “The Boko Haram fighters complained that they are spending money and resources to feed the abductees and that nothing is coming out of it. They said if nothing is agreed within one week, they will start marrying off some of the girls and kill those they consider as liabilities.” Another community source added, “We are helpless. These are our wives and children. Now they are threatening to kill them or force them into marriage.”
The latest threat comes weeks after SaharaReporters reported on April 9 that victims abducted from Woro and neighbouring Kososo community appeared in a disturbing video released by their captors, pleading for urgent rescue. The footage reportedly showed mostly women and children in weak and deplorable conditions, while an armed militant speaking in Hausa claimed responsibility for the abduction, deepening fears in the community as the new deadline approaches.
READ THE FULL STORY IN SAHARA REPORTERS