25 Children Died in Terrorists’ Captivity – Lawmaker

Twenty-five children died in captivity among the 336 people kidnapped by terrorists in attacks on communities in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states, a lawmaker said on Saturday, as authorities confirmed the release of more than 300 victims after six months in the forest.

Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed, representing the Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, disclosed the deaths during an interview with Vanguard, speaking on the conditions of the 315 kidnap victims who regained their freedom on Thursday night.

“25 children from Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states also died in captivity and some died in transit and they were buried there,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“A total of 176 victims were kidnapped from Kwara State, and 163 regained their freedom. 15 of the victims are still missing now.”

He also said 12 youths had joined the terrorists’ ranks after being given the choice and were not among those released.

“The terrorists asked the youths who among them would like to join their army and 12 of them volunteered to join them. So, those youths are not among those who were released,” he said.

The released victims comprise 308 people rescued from terrorist captivity in the forests of Kwara and Niger states and seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic in Ogun State who were abducted last week.

Baba-Ahmed said a total of 176 victims were kidnapped from Kwara State, with 163 regaining their freedom. Fifteen victims remained unaccounted for.

“None of the women came with pregnancy but two women who were kidnapped with pregnancy came back with two babies. We checked them properly and discovered that none of them is pregnant, because they told us that their abductors didn’t touch them,” he said.

The freed victims arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, and 46 of them were receiving medical attention at a hospital, according to Baba-Ahmed.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq received the victims, mostly children and women, from the 22 Armoured Brigade Commander Brigadier General Nicholas Rume at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks.

AbdulRazaq described the February attack on the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area as not only sad, but regrettable.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu for his swift response and assistance, adding that the president had approved the establishment of five Army Battalions in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Ilemona, Kosubosu and Kaiama.

The victims were abducted when armed terrorists invaded Woro community on February 3, killing scores of residents and whisking away victims into the forest.

Their release followed sustained military operations and coordinated security efforts.