Twenty-five children were among the victims who died in terrorist captivity after being abducted from communities in Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, has said.
Baba Ahmed, who represents Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena constituency of Kaiama Local Government Area, said the children were among 336 people abducted in attacks across the three states.
Vanguard reported that he disclosed this while speaking on the condition of victims from Woro community in Kwara State who regained their freedom after spending about six months in captivity.
According to the lawmaker, 176 people were abducted from Kwara State, with 163 regaining their freedom while 15 remain missing.
He added that 12 youths who were held by the terrorists volunteered to join their ranks and were not among those released.
Ahmed also disclosed that two women who were pregnant when they were abducted returned with babies. He said medical checks showed that none of the women was pregnant upon their return and that the women told authorities they were not sexually abused by their captors.
The freed victims were taken to Ilorin, where 46 of them were receiving medical attention.
The state government is providing care for the victims while authorities assess their condition before reuniting them with their families.
The victims were abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, which left scores dead and forced many residents into captivity.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the attack as tragic and regrettable. He commended President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
