CSOs demand release of 176 kidnapped women, children in Kwara

Civil Society Organisations in Kwara State have demanded the immediate release of 176 women and children kidnapped from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, describing their continued captivity as a grave failure of government’s constitutional responsibility.

The coalition, led by the Media Advocacy and Technologies Centre (MATEC), said the victims have allegedly spent 15 days in their captors’ den following deadly attacks that ravaged the two communities.

In a statement signed by Musa Aliyu and dated February 18, 2026, the groups cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

“The people of Woro and Nuku deserve urgent attention from government,” the statement read. “A situation where 176 innocent citizens are held under despicable conditions, and children are exposed to harsh weather elements, is grossly condemnable and highly unacceptable.”

The organisations alleged that more than 200 persons were killed during the attacks and condemned what they described as the recent parading of the abducted women and children by their captors.

According to them, images and accounts from the communities show the victims poorly fed and inadequately clothed.

“We demand that the Kwara State Government wake up to its responsibilities and put every machinery in place to ensure the immediate release of the women and children of Woro and Nuku communities,” the statement added. “The perpetrators of this crime against humanity must be apprehended and justice served.”

The coalition also called for the deployment of sustained security presence in the affected communities to prevent a recurrence and urged the government to provide comprehensive rehabilitation support beyond emergency relief materials.

“The Woro and Nuku people deserve their freedom,” the groups said, vowing not to remain silent until the abducted victims are rescued.

Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA were attacked by armed assailants in coordinated assaults that left homes destroyed and over 200 dead. Survivors said the attackers stormed the communities, forcing many residents to flee into surrounding bushes.

In the aftermath of the violence, dozens of women and children were taken to undisclosed locations, deepening fears among residents of Kaiama and surrounding areas over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State.