Yoruba Union Urges Tinubu to Secure Release of 176 Kwara Women and Children, 40 Borno Pupils Still in Captivity

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Ruth .J

The Yoruba Union has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to intensify efforts to secure the release of 176 women and children abducted in Kwara State, as well as 40 school pupils in Borno State who are still being held by suspected terrorist groups.

The appeal was made on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as concerns continued to grow over the prolonged captivity of victims taken in separate attacks across the country. The organisation urged the Federal Government and security agencies to prioritise rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the affected children and women. The group’s statement, as reported, did not identify a specific individual member who issued the call on behalf of the union. 

The Kwara victims were among residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state who were abducted during a deadly attack by suspected terrorists on February 3, 2026. Reports indicated that the attackers killed residents before taking away a large number of women and children. Weeks after the incident, videos showing the captives emerged, raising public concern and increasing pressure on authorities to secure their release. 

The Yoruba Union expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of keeping women and children in captivity for extended periods, warning that victims face serious physical and psychological risks. The organisation called on the government to deploy stronger intelligence operations and security measures to rescue those still being held by armed groups.

The group also raised concerns over the continued captivity of schoolchildren in Borno State, where communities have suffered years of attacks by insurgent organisations. The North-East region has remained one of Nigeria’s most affected areas in the fight against terrorism, with schools and civilians frequently targeted by armed groups. 

The appeal comes amid growing national debate over Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the increasing use of kidnapping as a weapon by criminal and terrorist organisations. Security analysts have warned that prolonged abductions not only endanger victims but also strengthen criminal networks when they are able to use ransom demands to finance further operations. 

The Yoruba Union urged President Tinubu and security agencies to treat the rescue of abducted citizens as a national emergency and ensure that communities affected by insecurity receive adequate protection. The organisation stressed that protecting children and vulnerable citizens should remain a central responsibility of government.

The Federal Government has repeatedly stated that security agencies are working to rescue abducted citizens and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating across the country. President Tinubu has also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted children and other vulnerable Nigerians. 

As families continue to wait for the return of their loved ones, pressure remains on authorities to deliver lasting solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges and prevent further attacks on civilians, schools and rural communities.