A chilling new video released over the weekend by a Boko Haram-affiliated faction has exposed what appears to be 176 captives — mostly women and children — taken during the February 3–4 attacks on Woro and Nuku villages in Kwara State’s Kaiama Local Government Area. The footage has reignited national anger over the scale of abductions and perceived security lapses.
The video, circulating initially on Telegram and quickly verified by security analysts, shows dozens of terrified women and young children seated in a remote bush location, surrounded by heavily armed militants. The attackers claim responsibility for the coordinated night raids that left at least 162 people dead, according to Nigerian Red Cross reports and statements from local MP Mohammed Omar Bio. Homes, shops, churches, and even the traditional ruler’s palace were burned and looted in what is now being described as one of Nigeria’s deadliest rural attacks in recent memory.
The footage directly contradicts the official government figure of around 30 abducted individuals. Federal and Kwara State authorities maintain that this number reflects confirmed cases, accounting for hostages reunited with families, those relocated during the chaos, and ongoing verification. Intelligence agencies are now analyzing the video for authenticity, location clues, and actionable leads while coordinating rescue operations with the military, DSS, and local vigilantes near the volatile border with Benin and Niger.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack on Sunday as a “beastly assault on innocent Nigerians” and confirmed the immediate deployment of additional troops to the North-Central region. He ordered security agencies to “pursue the perpetrators relentlessly” and secure the safe release of every abducted person.
Public outrage continues to swell. Survivors, community leaders, and online commentators accuse authorities of underreporting abductions to downplay the crisis. Adding to the alarm, fresh attacks on February 15 in nearby Kakafu village saw several more residents kidnapped, fueling fears of escalating jihadist incursions into previously stable areas.
The discrepancy between the video’s 176 captives and the official tally has led to calls for immediate action, including:
Full humanitarian access to affected communities
Transparent reporting of abduction figures
Accelerated rescue operations
Strengthened border security and regional cooperation
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Nigeria and local NGOs, warn that undercounting abductions risks leaving victims in prolonged captivity and trauma.
As the video continues to circulate globally despite takedown efforts, the Woro tragedy highlights Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. Every life taken and every person held hostage underscores the urgent need for accountability and swift, coordinated action.Please Share 🙏…
