Nearly six months after a deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, families of 176 kidnapped residents are still waiting for the return of their loved ones despite raising more than ₦155 million in ransom funds.

Community representatives say the victims were abducted during the February 3, 2026, attacks on Woro and Nuku communities, where several people reportedly lost their lives and many others were taken away by heavily armed attackers.

According to local leaders, relatives made enormous sacrifices to gather the ransom money. Many reportedly sold valuable possessions, borrowed funds, and contributed everything they could in the hope of securing the release of those in captivity.

Despite these efforts, the kidnappers are said to have refused the payment, leaving families devastated and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.

Community members have also alleged that the captors have issued fresh threats, including the possible killing of some hostages and the forced marriage of some female captives if no decisive action is taken. These allegations have not been independently confirmed by security authorities.

Concerned traditional rulers and community leaders are now appealing to the Federal Government and security agencies to launch an urgent rescue operation, arguing that the victims have spent far too long in captivity.

For many affected families, months of negotiations, fundraising, and public appeals have yielded no breakthrough, deepening fears over the worsening security situation in parts of Kwara State.

The latest development has once again raised questions about the growing insecurity in some communities and the need for stronger measures to protect lives and secure the release of those still being held.

What do you think? Should the government prioritize a military rescue operation, or should efforts to negotiate for the victims’ release continue? Share your thoughts in the comments.