Terrorists Threaten To Marry Female Captives, Kill Others In Kwara

Families of 176 people abducted by terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls for urgent government intervention, saying their loved ones have remained in captivity for nearly six months despite efforts to secure their release.

The appeal comes amid claims by community members that the kidnappers threatened to force some female captives into marriage and kill the remaining hostages if their demands are not met.

Speaking on the BBC Hausa Service, Kaiama resident Abdul Ibrahim said the affected communities raised more than N155 million through crowdfunding to secure the victims’ freedom, but the abductors allegedly rejected the ransom.

“We have done everything within our means. The money was raised, yet our people have not been released. Their suffering continues, and families are living in agony,” he said, urging the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

Another community leader, Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, appealed to authorities to replicate the security operation that recently rescued abductees in Oyo State, saying the success had rekindled hope among families in Kaiama.

He warned that every extra day in captivity increases the risk to the victims, who continue to face harsh conditions in terrorists’ camps.

Commenting on the broader security situation, Senator Adamu Aliero acknowledged the worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria but said the National Assembly had consistently approved funding requests for security operations.

The senator maintained that the persistence of terrorism reflects the complexity of the security challenge rather than inadequate funding, while renewing his call for the establishment of state police to strengthen local security and improve responses to criminal threats.