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How bandits recruited some kidnap victims in Kwara — Lawmaker

Fresh details have emerged on the fate of victims abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro and Nukku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara, with a lawmaker revealing that some of the kidnapped children were allegedly forced to join the bandits.

The lawmaker representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba-Ahmed, disclosed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Ilorin.

According to him, 176 people were abducted during the attack, but the number of those rescued is lower than the total number taken by the bandits.

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He said about 25 of the abductees are still missing, while some died in captivity and were buried by fellow victims.

Baba-Ahmed added that, based on accounts from those who returned home, victims aged 13 years and above who remain in captivity have been enlisted into the bandits’ ranks.

“They explained that those who are 13 years and above have been recruited into the bandits’ army,” he said.

The lawmaker confirmed that the rescued victims arrived safely in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, and are currently receiving medical attention.

He said the Kwara State Government is assessing their health and providing necessary care before reuniting them with their families.

Baba-Ahmed commended both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government for their efforts in securing the release of the abductees, describing the rescue as a significant achievement despite the challenges that remain.