From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government, has said it is working closely with security agencies and community stakeholders, to verify the identities of persons seen in a disturbing video released by suspected terrorists following the February 3 attack on Woro community.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government expressed deep concern over the footage, describing it as distressing for families and residents across the state.
“The Kwara State Government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community,” the statement read. “As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.”
The government acknowledged the anxiety the video may generate, noting that officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the footage to determine the identities of those captured in it.
According to the statement, conflicting reports have trailed the number of people abducted during the attack, which is why neither the state government nor security agencies have released a confirmed figure.
“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure. Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” Olukoju stated.
The government disclosed that it has engaged leaders of Woro community to assist in identifying individuals shown in the video. Preliminary findings indicate that a few persons in the footage are residents of Woro, while community representatives have reported that more individuals are still unaccounted for.
However, the government clarified that some people initially declared missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities such as Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
To coordinate ongoing efforts, the state’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, is collaborating with security agencies, local authorities and community leaders to facilitate humanitarian support and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.
The government assured residents that verified updates would be communicated as investigations progress, urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
“We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities,” the commissioner added.
