Kwara kidnap victims released after 6 months in captivity
The Kwara state government says the residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA have been released.
Olayinka Fafoluyi, media aide to Abdulrahman Abulrazaq, Kwara state governor, announced the development in Facebook post on Wednesday.
“Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!,” Fafoluyi wrote.
The victims were abducted on February 3 when armed assailants launched coordinated attacks on Woro, Nuku and other surrounding settlements in Kaiama LGA.
The attacks claimed the lives of at least 75 people, forced many residents to flee their homes, and left several communities devastated.
Although the exact number of those abducted remains unclear, reports estimated that about 170 women, children and other residents were taken away by the attackers.
In April, a video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara state government to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Speaking from captivity while surrounded by fellow victims, the woman said the group included pregnant women, young children and sick persons, urging the authorities to intervene without delay.
“We are from Woro in Kaiama local government. We were taken on February 3, and today is April 8. This is the last opportunity they have given us,” she said.
Details surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances that led to their freedom, were not immediately disclosed.
Efforts to obtain further clarification from Ojo Adekimi, the Kwara state commissioner of police, were unsuccessful as calls to his telephone line were not answered.