… contrary to claims that no money was paid for their freedom
Abductees from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly told their relatives that a helicopter delivered money to their kidnappers during their six-month captivity, contradicting the Federal Government’s account that they were rescued through a military operation without ransom payment.
A relative who recently visited some of the freed victims that two members of his family were particularly surprised after hearing government officials describe their release as a successful security rescue in which no ransom was paid.
According to the relative, the abductees said they personally witnessed a helicopter arrive while they were held captive and deliver money to the kidnappers.
When they heard that the government was claiming they were rescued and that no money was paid, two of my family members were shocked,” the relative said.
“They said a helicopter came while they were in captivity and money was brought to the kidnappers. They saw it, but they were not allowed to touch the money. The kidnappers prevented them from going near it. This was a few days, like four to five days before they were released.”
The fresh account raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of the Woro victims and whether any form of payment or negotiation took place before they were freed.
The allegations came days after Nigerian security forces announced the release of more than 300 abducted Nigerians in what Tinubu described as the country’s largest single-day hostage rescue operation.
Among those freed were 163 people abducted from Woro during the February attack on the community, alongside 145 other victims abducted largely from neighbouring Niger State.
During the mass abduction from the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, 176 people, mostly women and children, were initially taken by terrorists.
When security operations led to their freedom, 163 victims were officially handed over and announced as rescued. Survivors recounted that 13 victims died during their nearly six months in captivity.
The captives reportedly endured harsh living conditions in the forest, severe hunger, often receiving only one meal a day, lack of medical care and exposure to extreme weather before makeshift rain shelters were eventually erected.
The victims were reportedly recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park area following a joint operation involving the military, police and counter-terrorism personnel.
The Presidency described the operation as an intelligence-led security success, with Tinubu commending the security agencies involved.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families. Reports indicated that many of the former captives were in poor physical condition after spending months in the forest.
The government’s account has, however, provided limited details about precisely how the captives were released, including whether negotiations took place with their captors or whether any money changed hands.