ILORIN — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Kwara State capital on Friday, demanding the immediate rescue of 176 women and children held captive for over two months. The demonstration followed the release of a chilling “final opportunity” video by terrorists showing the malnourished victims pleading for their lives.
The “Final Opportunity” Plea
In the footage released by the Sadiku terrorist group, the captives—abducted from the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA on February 3—appeared in dire condition. One of the women in the video stated that their captors had granted them a “second and final” chance to appeal to the government before they are killed.
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a staggering ₦3.52 billion ransom—calculated at ₦20 million per head—for the release of the group, which includes several pregnant women and infants.
Protesters Slam Government “Silence”
The Coalition of Kwara North Youths and the Take It Back Movement marched to the Government House, accusing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration of prioritizing 2027 political maneuvering over the lives of citizens.
The protest turned somber as news broke of a fresh attack in the Nuku community just hours earlier, where five forest guards were reportedly murdered by the same insurgent group.
“Our mothers and sisters are rotting in the bush while the government talks about elections,” said one protest leader. “We are giving the authorities 48 hours to show us results, not press releases.”
Security Standoff
While President Tinubu previously ordered a military battalion to the Kaiama-Borgu axis, locals claim the troops remain stationed in urban centers rather than entering the deep forests where the 176 are being held.
Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, maintained that the government is working “tirelessly” for a safe rescue but urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified figures regarding the total number of captives.
