Some women abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have returned from captivity pregnant, while others gave birth during their six-month ordeal, community leaders have disclosed.
The National Chairman of the Kaiama Development Association, Alhaji Yakubu Salihu, revealed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Ilorin following the rescue of the victims.
Salihu said although security agencies announced the rescue of 163 abductees, 13 of the 176 persons kidnapped during the attack were still unaccounted for.
"We have records that 163 victims returned against 176 persons that were abducted. So, 13 persons are currently unaccounted for," he said.
He disclosed that some of the rescued women were impregnated by their captors, while others delivered babies during their stay in captivity.
According to him, the Kwara State Government has begun arrangements to receive the rescued victims, who are expected to be moved from Niger State to Ilorin on Friday for rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.
Salihu also appealed to the state government to urgently rehabilitate the major roads leading to Kaiama, describing their poor condition as a major security challenge that exposes residents to attacks.
He further urged the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in the area, assuring that the community was ready to provide land and other support to facilitate the deployment.
While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the victims' freedom, Salihu stressed that sustained security measures and increased deployment of personnel were needed to prevent future attacks.
The rescued victims are currently in Niger State, where they are undergoing medical checks, security screening and other procedures before their return to Kwara State.
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