By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have raised fresh alarm after terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram fighters reportedly issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to secure the release of 176 abducted women and children or risk mass execution.
According to Sahara Reporters, community members and families of the victims said the abductees relayed the message after a Jumu’ah prayer session with their captors.
A resident quoted by Sahara Reporters said one of the abductees was allowed to speak with her family, confirming that they were alive but under intense pressure from their captors.
The source said the terrorists allegedly expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s lack of progress in negotiations, warning that failure to reach an agreement within one week could lead to dire consequences for the victims.
The report added that the abductors threatened to forcibly marry some of the girls and kill those they considered liabilities if their demands were not met.
Families of the victims described the situation as distressing, saying fear had gripped the community as the deadline approached.
Sahara Reporters had earlier reported that the victims, abducted from Woro and neighbouring Kososo community, appeared in a video released by their captors, pleading for urgent rescue.
The footage reportedly showed women and children in weak conditions, appealing to authorities for intervention, while an armed militant claimed responsibility for the abduction.
In a separate development, the platform also reported that the abductors had previously demanded a ransom of N20 million per victim, with negotiations said to have stalled.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the Kwara State Government had not agreed to the ransom demand, resulting in a deadlock.
Relatives of the victims have continued to express concern over their prolonged captivity, warning that the harsh conditions in the bush could endanger the lives of children and pregnant women among them.