Fresh fear has spread across Kwara State following the release of a new video showing villagers abducted from Woro and nearby communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, with the victims pleading for urgent rescue.
The disturbing footage, which surfaced this week, shows dozens of captives gathered in what appears to be a remote location. Many of them look weak, tired and malnourished, with worn-out and dirty clothes, suggesting they have been held for a long period under harsh conditions.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a deadly attack on February 3 in Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities. During that হাম, several people were killed, while many others were taken away by armed men.
The new video has deepened concern among residents and families of the victims, coming weeks after an earlier clip released on February 14 drew nationwide attention and outrage.
In the latest footage, the abducted villagers appealed directly to the government, begging for help and saying their situation is becoming more desperate.
“We are begging you; this is our last opportunity,” a young woman said in English, her voice shaking with fear. “We have been here since February 3. Please come to our rescue.”
Another captive, speaking in Yoruba, said the group includes vulnerable people such as children and pregnant women.
“We have small children with us, and some women are pregnant,” she said. “Please, Kwara State Government, Oyo State Government, help us. This is the last chance they gave us.”
The presence of children and pregnant women in the video has added to the urgency of the situation, as concerns grow over their health and safety in captivity.
At one point in the footage, one of the armed men, believed to be part of the group responsible for the abduction, spoke while the victims stood behind him.
“We are the ones who kidnapped them,” the man said. “They have been begging us, and we have given them this opportunity so their government can hear from them.”
The statement suggests that the video may have been recorded to pressure authorities or families into meeting demands, which in many kidnapping cases include ransom payments.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious security challenge in many parts of Nigeria, including states that were previously considered relatively peaceful.
Although Kwara has not experienced the same level of violence as some northern states, recent attacks in border areas have raised concerns about the spread of insecurity.
Kaiama Local Government Area, where the affected communities are located, shares boundaries with parts of Niger State and Oyo State. These border regions are often difficult to police, making them vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
One of the most troubling aspects of the new video is the suggestion that the victims may have been exposed to ideological teachings while in captivity.
“They teach us things we did not know before,” one of the women said in the video. “But we are still begging you, please come and rescue us.”
This statement has raised fears that the captives could be subjected to some form of indoctrination, a tactic sometimes used by criminal or extremist groups to influence victims.
Families of those abducted have continued to call on the government to act quickly to secure their release.
Many of them say they are living in constant fear and uncertainty, unsure if their loved ones are still alive or when they might return.
Local residents have also expressed frustration, saying that despite the earlier video and public attention, little progress appears to have been made in rescuing the victims.
The Kwara State Government has not issued a detailed public response to the latest video at the time of filing this report, but security agencies are believed to be working behind the scenes.
In similar cases across the country, rescue efforts often involve a mix of security operations and negotiations, depending on the situation.
Nigeria has in recent years faced growing cases of kidnapping, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Armed groups often target villages, highways and schools, taking victims and demanding ransom from families or authorities.
The situation has led to increased calls for improved security, better intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies.
For the people of Woro, Nuku and surrounding communities, the latest video is a painful reminder that the crisis is far from over.
As the victims continue to plead for help, pressure is mounting on authorities to act swiftly and bring them back home safely.
For now, families wait anxiously, hoping that their loved ones will soon be rescued from captivity and reunited with them.