176 Abducted Kwara Victims Regain Freedom

The 176 residents abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom, bringing relief to families and communities affected by one of the state’s deadliest security incidents.

The Kwara State Government confirmed the development on Wednesday through a statement shared on its official Facebook page, several months after the victims were taken away during the violent assault on the two rural communities.

While celebrating the successful release, the state government expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and all individuals who contributed to securing the freedom of the abducted residents.

In its statement, the government said, “Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat.”

The victims were kidnapped when armed men, believed to have links with Boko Haram extremists, stormed Woro and Nuku communities on motorcycles during the early hours of February 3.

According to reports, the attackers carried out a coordinated operation that lasted for several hours, leaving widespread destruction in their wake and forcing many residents to flee for safety.

The assault was regarded as one of the most devastating security incidents ever recorded in Kwara State, with reports indicating that more than 200 people lost their lives during the attack, while several others sustained injuries.

Apart from the loss of lives, numerous homes, shops and other properties were destroyed, leaving many families displaced and struggling to recover from the aftermath of the violence.

Local vigilante members who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overpowered. Some of them were said to have been trapped inside their operational office, which was allegedly set ablaze by the assailants during the invasion.

Although the state government confirmed that all 176 abducted victims have now regained their freedom, details surrounding the circumstances of their release were not immediately disclosed.

The successful return of the victims is expected to provide relief to their families and the affected communities, even as residents continue to rebuild their lives after the February tragedy.

Security agencies are expected to sustain operations in the area to prevent further attacks and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities across the state.