Families of women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have revealed that the terrorists holding their loved ones captive are reportedly planning a Quranic graduation ceremony for more than 100 of the victims.
Drivetvnews gathered that the development comes several months after armed insurgents attacked the community, killing hundreds of residents and abducting 176 women and children during a violent raid that left the area devastated.
According to relatives of the captives, the information emerged during recent telephone conversations with the abductors. Family members said the terrorists claimed they had spent months teaching the victims Quranic recitation, Islamic studies, and religious conduct, and were now preparing a ceremony to mark the completion of the training.
One source familiar with the discussions said the abductors boasted that many of the captives had memorized portions of the Quran and undergone extensive religious instruction.
The source further disclosed that the terrorists warned that any expenses incurred during the planned ceremony would eventually be added to future financial demands during negotiations for the victims’ release.
According to the families, the insurgents stated that the resources spent feeding, housing, and educating the captives would not go uncompensated when discussions for their freedom begin.
Relatives described the development as deeply disturbing, expressing fears that the prolonged captivity could further separate the victims from their families and expose them to continued indoctrination.
A community leader involved in efforts to secure the release of the abductees said the planned ceremony highlights how long the victims have remained in captivity.
He lamented that women and children who should have been reunited with their families months ago are still being held by the terrorists, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
The latest revelation comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of the captives. Families have repeatedly raised alarm over the prolonged silence surrounding their fate, fearing that some of the victims, including pregnant women and children, may have suffered severe health challenges while in captivity.
In an earlier video released by the terrorists, several abducted women appealed for assistance from the government and the public. One of the women stated that they had been receiving Islamic instruction during their captivity, while also noting that many of the captives were battling illness.
The women and children were abducted following a deadly attack on Woro community in February. During the assault, more than 200 people were reportedly killed, including members of the Emir’s family, the community’s Chief Imam, educational officials, and students.
The attackers also reportedly set parts of the Emir’s palace on fire before taking numerous residents into the forest.
The continued captivity of the victims has sparked outrage across Kwara North, with concerned youths staging protests and demanding immediate action from authorities to secure the release of the abducted women and children.
