The traditional ruler of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has raised the alarm over a chilling threat by suspected Boko Haram terrorists to execute 176 abducted women and children if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands within one week.
The monarch, Salihu Bio, whose own wife is among those held captive, confirmed the ultimatum in a telephone interview. He disclosed that the terrorists relayed the threat to the victims after the Jumu’ah prayer on Friday. One of the abductees was later allowed to call her family on Saturday to confirm the message and the group’s condition.
According to the monarch: “The abductees told us that after the Jumu’ah prayer on Friday, the terrorists said the government was not taking the matter seriously and that if nothing is done within one week, they will begin to take drastic actions.”
The community source added that the terrorists expressed frustration over the resources being spent to feed the captives without any progress in negotiations. They reportedly threatened to start marrying off some of the girls and kill those they consider “liabilities” if no agreement is reached.
“The Boko Haram fighters complained that they are spending money and resources to feed the abductees and that nothing is coming out of it. They said if nothing is agreed upon within one week, they will start marrying off some of the girls and kill those they consider liabilities. We are helpless. These are our wives and children,” the source lamented.
In a video released by the terrorists, an armed militant claimed responsibility for the abduction of residents from Woro and Kososo communities. The militant stated that the group had indoctrinated the victims, teaching them Arabic and Islamic knowledge, and described the ultimatum as a “final opportunity” for the victims to appeal to the government.
The 176 abductees, mostly women and children, were kidnapped from the Woro community in Kaiama LGA. As of Saturday, the single abductee who made contact reported that the captives were “all fine,” though they remain under intense pressure and indoctrination.
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Kwara State Police Command proved unsuccessful as calls and messages to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not answered at the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened fears in the affected communities, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the federal and state governments to secure the safe release of the hostages.
By
TheTimes Nigeria
