Twenty-five children abducted from Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states have reportedly died in terrorists’ captivity, while 12 youths allegedly joined the terrorists’ ranks, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed.
Baba-Ahmed, who represents Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena State Constituency of Kaiama Local Government Area, made the disclosure while speaking on the condition of the 315 kidnap victims who regained their freedom after spending about six months in captivity.
According to him, 308 victims rescued from terrorist camps in the forests of Kwara and Niger states, alongside seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, were among those who regained their freedom.
He said 25 children died while in captivity, with some reportedly dying in transit, adding that their remains were buried in the forest.
The lawmaker further disclosed that 12 young people voluntarily joined the terrorists after the abductors asked the captives who were willing to join their army.
“Those youths are not among those who were released,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also disclosed that 176 people were abducted from Kwara State, with 163 regaining their freedom, while 15 victims remain missing.
He added that two women who were abducted while pregnant returned with babies after their release.
Meanwhile, 46 of the rescued victims are receiving medical attention in Ilorin, with the Kwara State Government providing care for them before they are reunited with their families.
Vanguard News reports that the victims were abducted during the deadly February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where armed terrorists reportedly killed scores of residents and took several others into the forest.
Their release followed months of security operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies.
Receiving the victims, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the Woro attack as “sad and regrettable” and commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and support.
The governor disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the establishment of five Army battalions in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Ilemona, Kosubosu and Kaiama to strengthen security across the state.
The return of the abductees marks a major breakthrough in efforts to rescue victims of the prolonged terrorist attacks, although authorities are still working to account for those who remain missing.
Tags: #Kwara #Kidnapping #Terrorism #NigeriaSecurity
