Some women and children who were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly alleged that ransom was paid for their release, contradicting the Federal Government’s claim that no payment was made.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the freed victims told relatives that a helicopter delivered money to their captors while they were still in captivity. The claim, however, has not been independently verified.

A relative who recently visited some of the victims said members of his family expressed surprise upon hearing government officials describe their release as the result of a successful military rescue operation carried out without ransom.

He explained that the victims claimed they witnessed a helicopter arrive at their location in the forest, where money was handed over to the kidnappers a few days before they regained their freedom.

“They were shocked when they heard the government’s statement,” the relative said. “According to them, a helicopter came to where they were being held and delivered money to the kidnappers. They saw it happen but were not allowed to go near the money.”

The relative further noted that the abductees were prevented from approaching the area where the money was dropped, adding that the incident occurred approximately four to five days before their eventual release.

The development raises fresh questions over the circumstances surrounding their freedom, as authorities maintain that no ransom was paid.