Tension is mounting in Kwara State after gunmen holding 176 abducted residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area issued a chilling one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The armed group reportedly warned that failure to meet their demands within the stipulated period could lead to the killing of the captives.
The Emir of the community, Salihu Bio, confirmed the development during a telephone interview, revealing that his wife is among those currently held by the abductors.
According to him, the threat was communicated to families through the victims themselves following a Jumu’ah prayer session held with their captors last Friday.
He explained that the kidnappers expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of urgency on the part of the government in securing the victims’ release, despite the effort and resources allegedly being used to sustain them in captivity.
The monarch further disclosed that the abductors permitted one of the victims to contact her relatives on Saturday. During the call, she reportedly assured them that the hostages were still alive and in stable condition.
However, she also relayed a disturbing message from the gunmen, who claimed affiliation with Boko Haram. According to her, the captives have been subjected to teachings in Arabic and Islamic studies during their captivity.
She added that after the Friday prayers, the abductors made their intentions clear, stating that if their demands are not met within a week, the women among the captives would be forcibly married off, while those considered weak would be killed.
The development has heightened anxiety among residents and families of the victims, as calls intensify for swift government intervention to avert a potential tragedy.
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