EXCLUSIVE: Kwara Residents Allege Police, Military Direct Families To Terrorists’ Locations For Ransom Payments

Residents of Woru and neighbouring communities in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have alleged that some police and military personnel not only fail to respond to terrorist attacks but also direct families to locations where ransom payments are demanded to be delivered.

The residents, who spoke to Street News Reporters amid worsening insecurity in their communities, alleged that security operatives sometimes fail to intervene when terrorists attack or abduct residents, leaving victims and their families to negotiate directly with the armed groups.

According to the residents, the situation becomes even more disturbing when families are instructed by terrorists to approach police or military personnel along highways for directions if they do not know where to deliver ransom money or other items demanded for the release of abducted persons.

The residents alleged that some security personnel then direct them to locations specified by the terrorists, including areas where the criminals are believed to be operating.

“The problem we are having with these terrorists is that the security operatives are working with them,” one resident alleged while speaking to Street News Reporters. “If they attack us and we call the police or the military to rescue us, the security operatives would not even bother to come.”

Another resident alleged that the conduct of some security personnel had become particularly troubling during ransom negotiations, claiming that terrorists sometimes instructed victims’ families to seek directions from officers encountered along the highway.

“Many times, the military will direct us to where these terrorists are hiding to drop the ransom for them,” another resident alleged. “The same police and military that are supposed to protect us are now working with these terrorists.”

The allegations come amid reports of worsening insecurity across Woru and surrounding communities, where residents said terrorists have intensified attacks on farmers, motorists and other residents.

Residents said the armed groups had allegedly taken increasing control of roads linking rural communities to Ilorin, making movement dangerous and forcing people to weigh the risks of travelling to farms or moving between communities.

According to residents, terrorists recently collected ₦5 million, a Bajaj motorcycle, two smartphones and 20 bottles of alcohol from the family of the Magaji, or traditional chief, of Woru community in connection with efforts to secure the release of his kidnapped son.

However, residents alleged that despite meeting the initial demands, the victim was not released. About three days later, the terrorists reportedly contacted the family again and demanded an additional ₦5 million.

The victim, who was abducted in August, remained in captivity as of the time of the report, according to residents. They also said at least six other people had been abducted from Woru and neighbouring communities between August and September, bringing the number of people reportedly still in captivity to at least seven.

“The terrorists are really disturbing us in our communities,” one resident said, alleging that kidnappings and attacks had continued along roads used by motorists and farmers.

Residents said the repeated ransom demands had placed affected families under severe financial pressure, while also raising fears that payment alone may not guarantee the release of abducted victims.

The worsening insecurity has also reportedly affected farming activities, as residents said many farmers were increasingly afraid to travel to their farmlands because of the risk of kidnapping or attack.

The residents called on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and restore security to the affected communities.

They also demanded an investigation into the allegations involving police and military personnel, particularly claims that some security operatives allegedly direct families carrying ransom payments to locations where terrorists are waiting.

Street News Reporters contacted the relevant police and military authorities for their responses to the allegations. The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, and the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, had not responded to calls and messages seeking comment as of the time of filing this report.