Families of more than 100 women and children abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, have raised fresh concerns following reports that their captors are planning what they describe as a “Quranic graduation” ceremony for the victims still being held in captivity.
According to relatives of the abductees, the terrorists allegedly revealed the plan during recent communications, claiming that the women and children have spent months undergoing religious instruction and Quranic studies while in captivity and are now being prepared for a graduation ceremony.
The revelation has heightened fears among families and community members, who worry that the prolonged detention of the victims could expose them to sustained ideological influence and psychological trauma. Some relatives also alleged that the insurgents warned that the costs associated with organizing the planned ceremony could eventually be added to future ransom demands or negotiations.
The victims were among those reportedly abducted during a deadly attack on Woro and surrounding communities, where armed insurgents killed several residents and carried away scores of women and children. Since then, families have continued to appeal to authorities for urgent intervention to secure their release.
Reports indicate that some of the abductees have appeared in videos from captivity, pleading with government officials and security agencies to intensify efforts toward their rescue and reunification with their families.
Community leaders and affected families have called on both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to take decisive action to secure the release of the captives and strengthen security in vulnerable communities. They argue that the continued captivity of the victims highlights the persistent security challenges confronting parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The latest reports have renewed public concern over the growing threat posed by terrorist and armed groups operating in rural communities, with residents demanding stronger protection measures and more effective responses to attacks, kidnappings, and mass abductions.
