Some of the victims rescued from the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have revealed that at least 13 abductees died during nearly six months in captivity, while 12 children remain in the custody of their captors.
The survivors, who were formally received by the Kwara State Government in Ilorin on Friday, August 7, 2026, said they survived on one meal a day and spent months sleeping in the open forest under harsh conditions.
The victims were among the 176 women and children kidnapped when suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched coordinated attacks on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kwara State.
The gunmen, who stormed the villages on motorcycles after residents rejected their extremist ideology, killed several people and razed homes, shops and the palace of the traditional ruler before abducting scores of residents.
The abductees regained their freedom on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of the survivors, Nafisat Abdulfatai disclosed that 12 children were left behind because the terrorists threatened to enslave anyone who attempted to escape.
“13 people died among us during our time in captivity. 12 children are still with the terrorists. They were not released with us because the abductors had threatened that those who tried to leave would become slaves,” Abdulfatai said.
Abdulfatai added that two of the children were deliberately held back because the abductors considered them old enough to remain in captivity.
She said the captives endured severe hunger throughout their stay, explaining that they were fed only once on most days.
“Most days, we ate only once. Our meals were prepared with only salt – there was no oil or other ingredients. We survived mainly on ‘luru’ soup. Many of us ended up eating things we never imagined we would eat in our lifetime,” she said.
According to her, there were days when they had no food until late in the evening, describing the experience as “unimaginable suffering.”
Abdulfatai also recounted the harsh living conditions in the forest, saying the captives initially slept in the open until the terrorists erected a makeshift shelter after several children died.
“The first rainfall came while we were completely exposed, and it ended while we were still there. It was only after some children died that they erected a makeshift shelter,” she said.
Abducted Kwara residents regain freedom after six months in captivity
Abdulfatai said the group swelled after dozens of captives from another community were brought to the same camp, forcing many to sleep in overcrowded conditions.
She further revealed that several pregnant women gave birth in captivity, but not all of the babies survived.
“Some women gave birth in captivity but lost their babies. About six or seven women experienced that tragedy, while others returned with their babies,” she said, adding that several rescued victims were still receiving treatment for illnesses suffered during captivity.
Expressing gratitude for regaining her freedom, Abdulfatai said she had lost hope of ever seeing her family again.
“I never believed I would see my parents, my husband and my children again… I thank God, and I sincerely appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for everything he has done for us,” she said.
Another survivor, Nafisat Yusuf, described the months spent in the terrorists’ camp as a period of unimaginable suffering.
“We suffered beyond words. The terrorists subjected us to terrible hardship. Many children died while we were there. The suffering was indescribable,” Yusuf said.
