163 Freed Kwara Abductees Reunite With Families

One hundred and sixty-three residents abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have reunited with their families after spending more than two weeks receiving medical care in Ilorin.

The victims were escorted back to Kaiama on Thursday by the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi; the Emir of Kaiama, Omar Shehu Muazu; and the Kiwazi of Wojibe, Ahmed Ibn Mohammad.

The return was marked by emotional scenes as family members, who had waited anxiously for their loved ones, welcomed the freed abductees back to the community.

The local government chairman personally ensured that the victims were safely transported from Ilorin to Kaiama following their period of medical treatment.

Danladi expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their roles and support in efforts that led to the victims’ release.

He also commended the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, for his advocacy and solidarity throughout the period of the victims’ captivity.

Danladi acknowledged the support of the Emir of Kaiama and the Kaiama Emirate Council, saying their prayers, guidance and moral support were important during the ordeal.

He also thanked community stakeholders, the Kaiama Development Association, various unions and indigenes of the community in Nigeria and the diaspora for their prayers and contributions.

According to him, the unity and collective efforts of the people contributed significantly to the successful return of the abductees.

The 163 victims were among residents abducted during an attack on Woro community on February 3.

They later regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

After their release, the victims were taken to Ilorin, where they received medical attention and were monitored before being cleared to return home.

Their reunion with their families brings an end to another difficult phase following the abduction, while attention is expected to remain focused on the security of communities in the area.

The successful return of the victims has also renewed calls for sustained security operations to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities in Kwara State.