No fewer than 13 children have reportedly died while in captivity following a mass abduction that occurred in February in Kwara State, according to testimonies from recently rescued victims.
The victims were among 176 persons kidnapped during an attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area on February 3, 2026. They regained freedom earlier this week after spending several months in captivity.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, received the rescued individuals at a private location in Ilorin, expressing deep sympathy to families who lost their loved ones during the ordeal.
Survivors recounted the harsh conditions they endured, including severe food shortages and lack of medical care. A nurse, who is also the daughter of a community chief, revealed that she assisted at least 10 pregnant women to deliver babies under extremely difficult conditions without proper medical equipment.
Despite the recent rescue, the victims disclosed that at least 12 women and children are still being held captive.
Many of those freed appeared physically weak, with several immediately taken to hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The governor later visited a general hospital where some of the rescued victims, including women who gave birth in captivity, are currently receiving treatment.
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Governor AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their roles in the successful rescue operation.
Similarly, the Brigade Commander, Major General Nicholas Rume, praised the collaboration among security forces, noting that it played a critical role in securing the victims’ release.
The February attack led to widespread displacement across the affected communities. According to a report by UNICEF, about 17,000 people were impacted by the violence, with women and children forming the majority of those abducted.
Authorities also confirmed that the latest rescue operation extended beyond Kwara State, covering parts of neighbouring Niger State. In total, over 300 victims were freed, including 163 from the Woro community alone.
The Kwara State Government has assured continued medical support and rehabilitation for the rescued victims as efforts intensify to secure the release of those still in captivity.
The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of north-central Nigeria, where rural communities remain vulnerable to attacks and mass kidnappings.
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