Over 170 Still Missing: Kwara Groups Demand Urgent Federal Action After Deadly Kaiama Attack

Civil society groups from Kwara State have called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue more than 170 residents who remain in captivity following a deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area earlier this year.

The appeal was made during a joint press briefing in Abuja by the Kaiama Development Association (KDA) and the Batombu Unity Development Initiative (BUDIA). The groups warned that the growing insecurity across the Borgu region could escalate into a major insurgency if immediate steps are not taken.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, Prof. Umaru Semo described the February 3 attack on Woro and neighboring Nuku communities as one of the most devastating incidents the area has witnessed. According to him, more than 200 people lost their lives, while over 170 others—including women, nursing mothers, and children—were abducted.

Semo also appealed for the rescue of the Emir of Yashikira’s wives and children, who were reportedly kidnapped in a separate attack.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen ongoing rescue efforts, stressing that the prolonged captivity of the victims has left families devastated and communities living in fear.

Beyond rescue operations, the groups called for a stronger security presence in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as Borgu and Agwara in Niger State and parts of southern Kebbi State, to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.

Also addressing the press, the Country Director of CARE International in Nigeria, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, emphasized the need for long-term strategies to tackle the worsening security challenges in the Borgu axis.

Abdu alleged that Vice President Kashim Shettima had intended to visit Woro Community after the attack to assess the humanitarian situation but was unable to make the trip. According to him, the Kwara State Government instead facilitated a meeting between stakeholders from Kaiama and the Vice President in Ilorin.

He further claimed that the planned visit was abandoned to avoid drawing attention to the poor condition of the Ilorin-Woro road and what he described as years of inadequate infrastructure development in northern Kwara.

The associations also questioned why security agencies were able to secure the rapid release of kidnapping victims in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while many of those abducted in Woro and Yashikira remain in captivity.

They urged the Federal Government to give the same level of urgency to rescue operations in Kwara and to invest more in strengthening security and infrastructure across the Borgu region.