Thirteen residents abducted during a deadly bandit attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State remain missing, despite the release of 163 captives after nearly six months in captivity.
The National Chairman of the Kaiama Development Association (KDA), Yakubu Salihu, disclosed that 176 women and children were kidnapped during the February 3, 2026 attack, but only 163 regained their freedom on Wednesday.
Salihu questioned the whereabouts of the remaining 13 victims, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
The February attack reportedly claimed the lives of more than 100 residents, while the abductors took away mostly women and children.
According to Salihu, some of the women gave birth while in captivity, highlighting the severe hardship endured by the victims during their six-month ordeal.
He said the freed victims are currently in Niger State and are expected to return to Kwara on or before Saturday, where they will receive medical attention, rehabilitation and resettlement support.
Salihu also renewed calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama, saying inadequate security personnel have left communities in the area exposed to repeated attacks.
He added that the community is prepared to provide land and other necessary support to facilitate the quick establishment of the military base, expressing confidence that a permanent security presence would improve emergency response and deter future attacks.
The KDA chairman further appealed to governments at all levels to rehabilitate the deteriorating road network in Kaiama Local Government Area, noting that poor roads continue to hinder security operations and slow socio-economic development.
