ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — Suspected Boko Haram fighters have reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to negotiate the release of 176 abducted women and children from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, warning of mass killings or forced marriages if no agreement is reached.
The threat, according to multiple community sources cited by SaharaReporters, was relayed by the captives following a Jumu’ah prayer session with their abductors last Friday.
Residents said the insurgents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of urgency by authorities, claiming resources were being expended to keep the abductees alive without progress toward negotiations.
A community member disclosed that one of the victims was allowed to contact her family over the weekend, confirming that the abductees remain alive but under mounting pressure from their captors.
“They told them clearly after prayers that if nothing is agreed within one week, they will begin marrying off some of the girls and kill those they consider a burden,” the source said.
The victims were reportedly abducted from Woro and neighbouring Kososo community, with families warning that anxiety is rising as the ultimatum deadline approaches.
Earlier, the abductees appeared in a video released by the militants, showing mostly women and children in visibly weak and distressing conditions as they pleaded for urgent rescue. An armed man speaking in Hausa claimed responsibility for the abduction, stating that the captives had been indoctrinated and were being given a “final opportunity” to appeal to authorities.
Families of the victims described the situation as devastating, noting that prolonged captivity in harsh conditions could be fatal, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Meanwhile, international concern over insecurity in Nigeria has continued to grow.
On April 22, 2026, Newpost Africa reported that United States Senator Ted Cruz condemned the killings of Christians in Nigeria, accusing authorities of complicity and calling for stronger action by Washington.
In a video posted on his verified X account, Cruz claimed that Nigeria accounts for the highest number of Christians killed for their faith globally, alleging that tens of thousands have died since 2009 and that thousands of religious institutions have been destroyed.
He further alleged that Nigerian officials have failed to act decisively, both at state and federal levels, and urged the U.S. government to hold those responsible accountable.
The senator called on U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy all instruments of statecraft to address the crisis and ensure protection for vulnerable communities.
However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims that attacks in the country specifically target Christians, maintaining that victims of terrorist violence cut across religious and ethnic lines, including Muslims and traditional worshippers.
Local sources say fear continues to mount across the affected Kwara communities as residents await urgent intervention to secure the release of the abductees.
