163 Freed Kwara Abductees Reunite With Families After Two Weeks in Medical Care
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, alongside the Emir of Kaiama, Omar Shehu Muazu, and the Kiwazi of Wojibe, Ahmed Ibn Mohammad.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, MD Baniya, the return of the abductees was marked by emotional scenes as family members welcomed their loved ones after weeks of uncertainty and anxiety.
The statement said Danladi personally ensured that the victims were safely transported from Ilorin to Kaiama following their period of medical care.
The council chairman expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for their roles and support in the efforts that culminated in the freedom and safe return of the abductees.
“I express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly concern and unwavering support,” Danladi said.
“We are equally grateful to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his intervention and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every citizen of Kwara State.”
Danladi also acknowledged the contributions of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, particularly his advocacy and solidarity throughout the period the victims were in captivity.
“We appreciate the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, for his relentless advocacy and solidarity throughout the ordeal,” he said.
The council chairman also commended the Emir of Kaiama and members of the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support during the period.
He extended his appreciation to other stakeholders, including the Kaiama Development Association, various unions and indigenes of the community both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, for their prayers and contributions towards the safe return of the victims.
“The unity and collective efforts of our people formed the bedrock upon which this victory was built,” Danladi added.
The 163 victims were among residents abducted during an attack on Woro community on February 3. They were later freed following a coordinated security operation in the forest area of Kainji Lake National Park.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to Ilorin where they received medical attention before being cleared to return to Kaiama and reunite with their families.
The return of the abductees brings relief to families and residents of Woro, who had endured weeks of uncertainty following the mass abduction.