25 Children Died in Terrorists’ Captivity, 12 Joined Their Ranks — Kwara Lawmaker

Twenty-five children abducted from Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states died while in terrorists’ captivity, while 12 young people reportedly joined the terrorists’ ranks, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed.

Baba-Ahmed, who represents the Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena constituency of Kaiama Local Government Area, made the disclosure while speaking about the condition of the abductees who regained their freedom after spending about six months in captivity.

According to him, a total of 315 victims were brought to Ilorin after their release. The figure included 308 people rescued from terrorist captivity in the forests of Kwara and Niger states, as well as seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, who were abducted last week.

The lawmaker said 12 youths among the abductees volunteered to join the terrorists after they were asked who wanted to become members of their armed group.

He added that 25 children from Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states died during captivity or while being transported through the forest, and were subsequently buried there.

Baba-Ahmed further disclosed that 176 people were abducted from Kwara State, with 163 having regained their freedom, while 15 victims remained missing.

He also revealed that two women who were pregnant when they were abducted returned with babies after their release.

The rescued victims arrived in Ilorin late Thursday and were taken to a hospital for medical assessment. Forty-six of them were receiving medical attention, while the Kwara State Government was providing care for them before their reunification with their families.

The victims were abducted during a deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on February 3, 2026. The attackers killed several residents before taking the victims into the forest.

Following months of military operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, the abductees were eventually freed and transported from Niger State to Ilorin.

Receiving the victims, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the Woro attack as “sad and regrettable” and commended the Federal Government for its intervention.

The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, saying the President had approved the establishment of five Army battalions in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Ilemona, Kosubosu and Kaiama to strengthen security across the state.