Trending 
Suspected Boko Haram militants have claimed they are holding 176 people in captivity, contradicting earlier statements by the Kwara State Government that 30 persons were abducted during the February 3 attack on the Woro community.
The claim emerged in a video circulating on Facebook on Saturday, showing captives arranged in rows, surrounded by armed men speaking in Hausa.
The terrorists said in Hausa, “We have 176 persons in our custody, contrary to the claims and propaganda of the Kwara State government, which was lying to the whole world.”
The militants, suspected to be a faction of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, reportedly led by Saidu Abubakar, also known as Sadiku, interrogate the victims about their communities and numbers.
In the video, two elderly women identified themselves as residents of Woro, Kaiama, Kwara State.
When asked how many people were abducted, the women initially said 174 but later mentioned 176. A security source confirmed that the individuals were among the abductees from the state and said efforts to rescue them are ongoing.
“I have confirmed that this is another set of people different from those we earlier rescued. However, efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” the source told Punch.
Reacting to the video, the Kwara State Government said it was working with security agencies and community leaders to verify the victims’ identities.
Residents were advised by Communications Commissioner Bolanle Olukoju to maintain composure and refrain from disseminating unconfirmed information.
Olukoju added that some persons previously reported missing have been reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
“The Kwara State government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community,” Olukoju said.
“As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.
“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish identities of the individuals shown.
“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the state government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro.
“Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for. It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
“The government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.
“We assure the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders.
“We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities.”
