Terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram have claimed responsibility for the recent abduction in Woro community of Kwara State, declaring in a trending video that they are holding 176 captives — not 30 as earlier speculated.
In the footage circulating online, the insurgents dismissed official figures as “propaganda,” insisting in Hausa that the number of abducted victims is far higher.
“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,” one of the terrorists said in the video while interrogating visibly distressed victims.
The captives, who appeared emaciated and unkempt, were seen responding in Hausa dialect, narrating their ordeals. Among those identified in the video is reportedly the wife of the village head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, who was seen standing before the camera holding a baby.
The video, believed to have been released to counter government statements, has heightened anxiety across the state and raised fresh concerns about the scale of the abductions.
Fresh threats spark panic in Oyun LGA
As the insurgents boasted about the number of captives in their custody, fresh fears emerged in parts of Oyun Local Government Area following a letter threatening imminent attacks on several communities.
ENigeria Newpaper reports that the letter, allegedly authored by a group calling itself the “Nigeria Terrorist Association (NTA),” warned residents of Ira, Inaja, Aho and surrounding towns to prepare for an assault.
Dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque in Ira, the message claimed the group had moved from Kaiama and was ready to strike again.
The development has triggered panic relocations, with residents fleeing to safer neighbouring towns. Markets and schools were reportedly shut, while farmers abandoned their fields amid fears of a looming attack.
Traditional rulers in the affected communities confirmed that emergency security meetings were convened, and security agencies — including police, DSS, soldiers and NSCDC operatives — have intensified patrols.
The Oninaja of Inaja, Oba Wahab Oyetoro, said the threat letter had deepened tension in the area, particularly in the wake of recent killings in Kaiama.
Government reacts
The Kwara State Government said it is analysing the trending video to establish the identities of those shown and to determine the actual number of abductees.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, ENigeria Newspaper gathered that the government acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage and reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of all victims.
The statement noted that community leaders are assisting security agencies in identifying individuals in the video and reconciling conflicting reports about the number of abducted persons.
Authorities also urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and continue cooperating with security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed it has commenced investigation into the threat letter circulating in Oyun LGA, assuring residents of intensified patrols and proactive security measures to forestall any attack.
Despite official assurances, fear continues to grip affected communities as terrorists not only dispute official abduction figures but also signal possible fresh assaults.
