Families of women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have alleged that suspected Boko Haram insurgents are planning a Quranic graduation ceremony for more than 100 captives currently being held in the terrorists’ custody.
According to SaharaReporters, relatives of the victims disclosed that the insurgents revealed the plan during recent telephone conversations in which family members sought updates on the condition of their loved ones.
The report stated that the proposed ceremony comes months after a deadly attack on Woro community, during which over 200 residents were reportedly killed and 176 women and children abducted.
Family members told SaharaReporters that the terrorists claimed they had spent several months teaching the captives Islamic studies, religious etiquette, and Quran memorisation, adding that many of them were now prepared to “graduate.”
A source quoted by the news platform said the insurgents boasted that several of the abducted women and children had memorised portions of the Quran and undergone extensive religious instruction while in captivity.
“They told us that many of our women and children have now memorised portions of the Quran and undergone Islamic teachings,” the source told SaharaReporters.
The source further alleged that the terrorists were preparing a graduation ceremony to celebrate what they described as the educational achievements of the captives.
According to the report, the insurgents also warned that any expenses incurred in organising the ceremony would eventually be included in future financial demands made to the government and families during negotiations for the victims’ release.
“They specifically warned that when the time comes for negotiations, the government and families will pay for everything they spent on the ceremony,” the source was quoted as saying.
Another family member described the development as distressing, expressing concern that the prolonged captivity could further separate the victims from their families and expose them to continued indoctrination.
A community leader involved in efforts to secure the release of the abductees told SaharaReporters that the reported graduation plan underscored the length of time the victims had remained in captivity.
“This shows how prolonged this tragedy has become and how urgently government intervention is needed,” the source said.
The revelation follows earlier concerns raised by relatives over the prolonged silence from both the terrorists and government authorities regarding the fate of the abductees.
SaharaReporters had previously reported that the insurgents released a video showing dozens of women and children taken during the February attack on Woro community. In the footage, some captives appealed to the Kwara State Government and the public to assist in securing their freedom.
One of the women reportedly stated that the insurgents had been teaching them Islamic etiquette and religious knowledge while in captivity.
According to the report, several captives also complained of illness, while pregnant women and children remained among those being held.
The attack on Woro community reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, including members of the traditional ruler’s family, the community’s Chief Imam, school administrators, and students. Parts of the Emir’s palace were also reportedly set ablaze during the raid.
The continued captivity of the victims has sparked growing concern across Kwara North, with youths recently staging protests in Kaiama to demand urgent government intervention and the safe return of the abducted women and children.
Source: SaharaReporters
