By Folayimika Akanbi
The Kwara State government has said that government officials and security agencies have commenced careful analysis of a viral video on the internet, where kidnap-victims during the recent terrorists’ massacre in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area of the state were sighted.
Notwithstanding the claim in the viral video of the terror group that 176 of the abductees were in captivity, the government said the exact figure could not be immediately ascertained in the ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
The state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, made this known in a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday.
The statement came against the backdrop of the terrorists’ video, where the abductees of the Woro attacks were paraded.
But the government was quick to add that some individuals in the video had been identified as residents of Woro community.
In the statement titled “Woro: We’re working with security agencies, stakeholders on terrorists’ video, says Kwara Govt,” the government said the footage was being analysed to unravel the identities of the people shown with a view to confirming the veracity of the claim.
The government noted that it has been inundated with conflicting accounts on the number of victims, adding that its priority at the moment was to rescue the victims while the perpetrators are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“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. As always, our thoughts are with all the families affected, and we reaffirm our commitment to securing the safe return of all those impacted.
“We acknowledge the anxiety that this footage may cause. Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown.
“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.
“We have engaged Woro community leaders to assist in identifying individuals seen in the footage. As of now, a few persons have been preliminarily identified from the video as residents of Woro. Community representatives have also indicated that more individuals remain unaccounted for. It is important to note that some persons initially reported missing have since reunited with their families, while others may have temporarily relocated to neighbouring communities, including Wawa and New Bussa in Niger State.
“The Government’s response committee, led by His Highness Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, continues to work with security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate efforts, humanitarian support, and the safe return of displaced persons.
“We assure the public that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available through proper coordination with security and community leaders. We urge residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue cooperating with authorities,” the government said.
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