Kwara Police Deny 176 Residents Were Abducted In Woro Attack

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has denied claims that 176 residents were kidnapped during a terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Adekimi spoke to journalists in Ilorin on Friday. He said the number did not come from any official security report.

He explained that while security agencies know that attackers took several residents, there is no official confirmation that 176 people were taken.

This clarification came just a day after relatives of victims, community leaders, and traditional authorities urged the Federal Government and security agencies to step up rescue efforts. They claimed that about 176 people have been in captivity for nearly six months since the attack.

When asked about the number, the police commissioner said security agencies could not verify the figure being spread.

"About the claim that 176 people were kidnapped from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, I honestly do not know where that figure came from because it did not come from any security agency or operative.

"I believe the number started circulating after a video showed a group of abducted persons who claimed to be over a hundred in number," the commissioner said.

He noted that residents of Kaiama who watched the video recognized only a few of the victims.

"I remember that people from Kaiama said they could identify about 10 people in the video, including the wife of the traditional ruler. Based on that, I cannot confirm that 176 people were actually abducted from Woro," he added.

Adekimi stated that the police would not trust figures from the terrorists. He assured that ongoing security operations are focused on rescuing everyone still held captive.

"The story of 176 abductees is one being spread by the bandits themselves, and I cannot confirm it. What I can assure you is that serious efforts are being made to secure the release of anyone currently with the bandits," he said.

The commissioner also shared that recent security operations in nearby Oyo State are now looking at suspected terrorist hideouts around Borgu. Intelligence suggests that extremist groups have set up bases there.

"Following the recent operation in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, security efforts are now focused around Borgu because intelligence shows that members of Lakurawa, Ansaru, and Boko Haram are based in that area.

"These terrorists are not based in Kwara State. Their base is in Borgu Local Government Area and the surrounding area. Several security operations are ongoing there, and many of them are being arrested," Adekimi added.

His comments came after affected communities called for a large-scale rescue operation. This was after negotiations with the kidnappers reportedly failed.

The PUNCH reported that the Woro attack happened on February 3, 2026. Heavily armed terrorists on motorcycles invaded the farming community.

The attackers spent hours killing residents, burning homes and shops, and abducting many others before security forces finally responded.

Relatives of the kidnapped victims said the communities raised over N155 million to secure the release of the captives. They claimed the terrorists rejected the money and threatened to execute some hostages while forcing some female captives into marriage.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities in a video on Thursday, Abdul Ibrahim said residents have tried every option, including direct talks and public appeals, but have not secured the release of anyone.

The Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, also called on security agencies to carry out similar rescue operations as those in Oyo State. He argued that those still held in terrorists' camps in Kaiama should not be left behind.