At least 25 children abducted from communities across Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states have reportedly died while in the custody of terrorists, a development that has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation and the devastating impact of prolonged captivity on vulnerable Nigerians.
The shocking revelation was made by a Kwara State lawmaker, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, following the recent rescue of hundreds of people who had been held by terrorists in forests across the affected states. According to the lawmaker, the children were among 336 people kidnapped during separate attacks and later taken into terrorist captivity.
The revelation has added a tragic dimension to the recent rescue operation, which saw hundreds of abductees freed after spending months in the custody of armed groups. Many of those rescued reportedly emerged from captivity in poor physical and emotional condition, with some requiring urgent medical attention...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The rescued victims included people who had been abducted during the February attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack was one of the deadliest security incidents recorded in the state, with scores of residents killed and others taken away by the attackers.
The situation became even more disturbing as survivors narrated the harsh conditions they experienced while being held in remote forest locations. Some reportedly suffered from hunger, illness and psychological trauma during their prolonged captivity.
Baba Ahmed further disclosed that some young people who were abducted were allegedly given the option of joining the terrorists’ ranks. According to him, 12 youths accepted the offer and became part of the terrorists’ group, highlighting the serious security and humanitarian consequences of prolonged abductions.
The lawmaker’s disclosure also comes amid reports that two pregnant women returned from captivity with babies after spending months with their abductors. Their return has further illustrated the extreme circumstances faced by women and children who are taken hostage during terrorist attacks.
The recent rescue operation has nevertheless provided relief to hundreds of families who had spent months waiting for the return of their loved ones. Nigerian security forces reportedly rescued 308 kidnapped persons in coordinated operations across Niger and Kwara states, with President Bola Tinubu describing it as the largest single day rescue operation carried out by Nigerian security agencies.
The rescued victims have since been taken to Ilorin, Kwara State, where they are receiving medical attention and support. Reports indicate that many of them were weak and traumatised after months in captivity, underscoring the need for continued medical and psychological assistance even after rescue.
The death of the 25 children, however, raises fresh questions about the protection of civilians living in vulnerable communities and the ability of security agencies to prevent mass abductions before they occur. The development also highlights the devastating consequences of allowing children to remain in terrorist captivity for extended periods.
The latest incident is another reminder of the growing security challenges confronting communities in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where armed groups continue to exploit remote forests and poorly protected communities as operational bases.
For families whose children remain missing or whose loved ones have not yet returned, the recent rescue operation offers hope, but the reported deaths also demonstrate the urgency of strengthening intelligence gathering, rapid response operations and protection for vulnerable communities.
The Federal Government and security agencies are now under increasing pressure to ensure that rescued victims receive adequate rehabilitation while intensifying efforts to locate and free those still in captivity. The tragedy involving the 25 children has also renewed calls for stronger measures against terrorists and kidnappers whose activities continue to threaten the lives and future of innocent Nigerians.
