Bandits gave us small garri once daily for 18 days – Freed Kurmin Wali abductees

They tied up those who surrendered and executed them – Kwara Attack

Some of the freed Kurmin Wali worshippers in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state who were abducted on 18th January, 2026, have revealed that bandits poured a small quantity of garri into their hands for them to drink once a day for the 18 days they spent in the thick forest.

At least over 40 children were among the freed abducted worshippers.

Recounting his ordeal, one of the freed victims, 12-year-old George Jonathan, who was critically ill, broke down in tears while narrating his experience.

“Every day, they dropped small garri on our hands to lick, and that was all for that day. We were drinking water that they brought from the river. They beat us like there is no tomorrow. It was hell. It will be difficult for me to forget this experience,” he said. Jonathan could not stand on his feet . He lay on a three-seater chair surrounded by a doctor and a health worker at Government House, Kaduna.

“Many of the worshippers are badly wounded on the leg or hand. Some cannot walk well. A woman broke her hand,” he added.

Another of the freed worshippers, Godiya Ezekiel, told LEADERSHIP Friday that they were manhandled by their captors.

“They beat us very well and told us that if our people don’t bring money, they will kill all of us. Sometimes they gave us small amounts of garri or masa to eat once a day. Yesterday, they told us to leave and said that if we didn’t want to go, we should remain there. It was a terrible situation, but we thank God we are back, as nobody died,” she said.

Receiving the freed Kurmin Wali worshippers at Government House,on Wednesday, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, said 183 people were initially abducted, and that 11 escaped and returned home.

The governor said that of the remaining 172 abductees, 83 of them were found in neighbouring villages, leaving 89 in captivity.

Governor Sani said the 89 were rescued on Wednesday by a combined team of security forces.

He recalled that following the incident, he approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national security adviser ( NSA) on the need to establish a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly around the Rijana general area, “which has long been identified as a flashpoint along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor.

“I am happy to inform you that Mr President has given his assurance that this request will be granted,” he enthused.

The Kaduna governor revealed that, for now, the government would not send the victims home immediately, as they will undergo thorough medical examinations and comprehensive psychosocial care in Kaduna.

“Our medical team and specialists will ensure they are physically and mentally fit before returning home. We will also support their livelihood, as many of them have lost income during this period,” he said.

Governor Sani went on: “Today is truly a day of joy for us. When this unfortunate incident occurred, many of us were shocked, as in the last two and a half years the Kaduna State Government has worked tirelessly with security agencies to protect lives and property. Yet, this incident occurred, and immediately we mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of our people.

“At this point, I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has stood with us from day one. He has called me repeatedly since this incident happened, showing deep concern and leadership. I also thank the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for working closely with us to ensure the safe return of these children and our mothers here today.”

He further thanked the Directotate of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and all security agencies for their collaboration with the state government throughout the period.

Governor Sani further stated that Kaduna State does not take the issue of security lightly.

“For us, even one person abducted is unacceptable. That is why we refused to politicise the situation or engage in media arguments over numbers. Our focus was clear — to ensure that every single person returned safely.

“Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned.

“Initially, 183 people were abducted. Eleven were released earlier and taken straight to the hospital. They have been certified medically fit and have returned home. Out of the remaining, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday. Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing.

The decried a situation some persons tried to play politics with such a grave and unfortunate incidence.

,”As a government, our responsibility is clear: we will continue to work day and night to protect lives and property in Kaduna State,” he said.

Speaking on sustainable security for the affected community, said relocating the natives was not the best option.

“We also recognise that the people of Kurmin Wali are predominantly farmers. Rather than relocate them, we believe it is better to protect them in their ancestral homes so they can continue farming, which supports both their livelihoods and our economy.

“That is why we have commenced construction of the road linking Kurmin Wali to the main road. Work started last week. We are also building a hospital and a skills-acquisition centre to support alternative livelihoods for the community.

This is the Kaduna model — working quietly with community leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, local government officials, and security agencies at the grassroots.

“That is why we remained calm despite the noise and speculation in the media. Today, we are vindicated. Everyone has returned safely.”

Governor Sani, however, appealed to citizens to be fair to security agents, saying they risk their lives daily to protect society.

How Bandits Killed 2 Monarchs’ Children In His Presence, Abducted Mother, Wife, 3 Children – Survivor

A survivor of the banditry attack on Woro community in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State, and younger brother to the monarch of Woro, Mal. Umar Ali has narrated how the gunmen killed two of the monarch’s children in his presence.

Ali disclosed that the bandits also abducted his mother, wife and another three of his children.

He told LEADERSHIP Friday that the bandits further set the palace ablaze and took away the five abductees in the monarch’s car.

According to him, the attackers invaded the community on Tuesday evening on motorcycles, barricaded the town before opening fire from different directions.

“They came at about 6:30 pm, completely surrounded the community and started shooting sporadically from all angles, so nobody could escape,” he said.
He explained that residents who attempted to escape were shot, while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head, tied up and executed.

Ali added that some victims were burnt alive inside shops and houses after the attackers locked them in and set the shops and houses ablaze.

“We physically counted 75 corpses within the town, but people are suggesting the number of those abducted, especially women, could be over 100,” he said.

He further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.

“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.

Ali said the community has been thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town almost deserted.

“The people are scared, and the community is nearly empty. What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.

He disclosed that there had been prior intelligence reports of a possible attack, which were reportedly communicated to the appropriate authorities.

Ali said there was no security presence during Tuesday’s attack, and that security operatives only arrived long after many victims had been killed.

“The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, but some were referred to the Teaching Hospital,” he said.

Another survivor, Ahmed Alhassan, said the bandits killed the innocent residents like animals.

He said the closeness of the Woro and Nuku communities made it easier for the night marauders to perpetrate the heinous crime and escape into the bush.

“The bandits tied the hands of the victims before raining bullets on them. After this, the bandits set the palace of the village head of Woro and other residential houses on fire.

“We didn’t really understand the motive behind the latest massacre of our people, because before now, the bandits only kidnapped people from the area for ransom.”

Meanwhile, the presidency has approved the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State.

The state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this during a condolence visit to the Woro community.

“We thank His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for approving a deployment of an army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to make sure this place is safe.

“The challenge is coming from the north and across the border, but I can assure you that the challenges will be mitigated. We thank the security people for the yeoman’s job they are doing. I can assure you that in the next month, the whole place will be flooded with soldiers, /” AbdulRazaq said.

The governor directed the state’s Emergency Management Agency

(SEMA) to provide immediate support for the survivors of the incident and the families of the victims.

“I have come here to commiserate with you on the massacre of 75 of your people. From the information we have, these people refused to change their doctrine or their faith. This is a pure massacre, different from abduction for ransom. These challenges will be mitigated. SEMA will look into how to support the families of the victims.

“The issue in Kwara South has been subdued. This is a challenge we have to face now because it goes beyond Kwara. After they perpetrated the crime, the bandits fled to Niger State. They have murdered sleep, and I want to assure you that in the next month, the whole place will be flooded by soldiers, “AbdulRazaq said.

Kaiama Attacks: Military, Policemen, Forest Guards Deploy To Woro As Police Launch Investigation

Following the killings in Woro community of Kaiama local government area of Kwara State on Tuesday , a joint security team comprising personnel from the police, the military, and forest guards has been deployed to community to maintain law and order.

The police have launched a full-scale investigation to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

She said the security personnel were already in the Woro community to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety.

According to a statement she released yesterday, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq, accompanied by the commissioner of Police, Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, the director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Micheal Oganwu, the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen N.N Rume, other senior security and top government officials visited the community on February 4, 2026, for an on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Shehu Omar and families affected by the tragic incident.

‎She said, “Preliminary findings gathered at the scene indicate that the hoodlums, suspected to be religious extremists, stormed the community, opened fire sporadically, killing victims, while houses and shops were set ablaze.

“Sadly, the lives lost have been recovered and given a mass burial.

‎”A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military, and National Forest Guards has since been deployed and is currently on the ground to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety. A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”

The police urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information that may aid ongoing operations.

Abducted Kwara Monarch, Oniwo Of Afin, Regain Freedom

The abducted Oniwo of Afin community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has been released from captivity.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that Oba Olanipekun regained his freedom on Tuesday and had returned to his palace in Afin community.

LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that the kidnappers had on 19th January released Prince Olaolu who was abducted alongside his father.

Oba Olanipekun and his son were abducted by the gunmen on December 31, 2025.

At the time of filing this report, information about the circumstances leading to the release of the monarch was sketchy.

A palace source who confirmed the release of Oba Olanipekun could not confirm whether ransom was paid before the kidnappers set him free.

There have been no official statement from the security agencies on the release of the monarch.

Tinubu Meets Kwara Gov After Deadly Terror Attack

President Bola Tinubu met with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Presidential Villa ,Abuja, following the deadly attack on Worro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The meeting comes days after more than 100 people were killed in the community in what authorities described as an attack by suspected jihadist fighters.

President Tinubu had on Wednesday ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the area. He also approved the establishment of a new military command to lead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at countering terrorist activity and protecting vulnerable communities.

The President condemned the attack, describing it as cowardly and inhumane.

He also expressed anger that the victims were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology in favour of a peaceful practice of Islam.

Tinubu called for closer collaboration between federal and state agencies to support affected communities and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

AbdulRazaq Briefs Tinubu, Says Savannah Shield Will Secure Kwara

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in Kaiama Local Government Area, saying that Operation Savannah Shield will help deter further attacks and stabilise the area.

The governor spoke to State House correspondents on Thursday after the meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting comes days after more than 100 people were killed in the community in what authorities described as an attack by suspected jihadist fighters.

AbdulRazaq said the field commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, and is set to begin operations.

“Yes, I came to brief Mr President about what happened in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and also to thank him for the prompt action taken by the President by establishing Operation Savannah Shield,” he said.

“That will go a long way in deterring and bringing calm to the region in Kwara State.”

He said the military team had begun immediate ground engagement as security forces move to secure vulnerable areas and reassure residents.

The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the military to secure the area, adding that the state government was working closely with federal authorities to support ongoing security operations and provide relief to affected residents.

“Well, after meeting the President, I’m confident because, as I speak to you, the force commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara State, in Ilorin, today and he’s hitting the ground running,” AbdulRazaq said.

“We rely on the military to do what they do best. Mr President has directed the armed forces to move in and make sure peace and calm are restored.”

He added that the deployment is aimed at preventing further attacks, protecting communities in Kaiama and restoring confidence in the area following the incident.

Kwara Attack: IGP Orders Immediate Deployment Of Tactical, Intelligence Assets

The inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence assets to Kaiama and surrounding communities.

The IGP said this action is aimed at restoring calm, strengthening security presence, and preventing further acts of violence.

Force PRO, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin further revealed that the Force had launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and all individuals connected with the heinous crime.

According to him, “investigations are already underway, and all available resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. The perpetrators will not escape the long arm of the law.”

The police force also condemned the violent attack that occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which has sadly resulted in the confirmed death of 75 persons.

The inspector-general of police extended his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Kwara State,l over this deeply painful and tragic incident.

The IGP reassured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect lives and property, and will continue to do everything necessary to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens.

LEADERSHIP