Families of 15 worshippers abducted during a deadly attack on a mosque in Kwara State have expressed growing fears that their loved ones may no longer be alive after weeks of silence from the kidnappers.

The worshippers were kidnapped in May when armed men stormed a mosque in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, during a late-night Tahajjud prayer session. The attackers reportedly killed three worshippers and whisked away at least 15 others into a nearby forest.

Relatives of the victims say they have not received any communication from the abductors since the incident, raising concerns about the fate of those still in captivity. According to family members, the prolonged silence is unusual in kidnapping cases, where abductors often establish contact shortly after an attack to demand ransom.

“Our fear grows every day because we have heard nothing from anyone,” one relative said. “We do not know whether they are alive or dead. The uncertainty is unbearable.”

Following the attack, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the deployment of tactical teams, local vigilantes and hunters to comb surrounding forests in search of the victims. Security agencies said rescue operations were ongoing, although no official update has been provided on the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers.

The attack highlighted growing security concerns in parts of Kwara North, particularly communities bordering the Benin Republic and neighbouring states, where residents have reported recurring incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Community leaders have renewed calls for increased military and security presence in the area, urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts and improve surveillance along known criminal routes.

As families continue to await news of the abducted worshippers, residents say fear has gripped the affected communities, with many limiting movements and suspending late-night religious activities.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while security operations continue, but for the families of the missing worshippers, each passing day without contact deepens concerns about the fate of their loved ones.