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By Abdullah Ahmed
Relief has swept across Kwara State as the 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, abducted by armed men earlier this year, have regained their freedom after months in captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped in February in one of the state’s largest mass abductions, were released on Wednesday following a coordinated security operation involving security agencies.
Details of the operation have yet to be officially disclosed.
The former Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, who broke the news in a post shared on a popular WhatsApp platform, commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and security agencies for their efforts.
Confirming the development, the member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Saidu Baba Ahmed, also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security personnel for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
“Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives,” the lawmaker said.
A senior Kwara State Government official also confirmed the development, describing it as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the state.
The official commended the combined efforts of security agencies and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful operation.
The release comes barely a week after the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, reassured residents that the abductees had not been abandoned.
He said the state government was working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies while intensifying measures to strengthen security across Kaiama and neighbouring communities.
The abduction of the Woro residents sparked widespread outrage and drew sustained appeals from community leaders, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians for urgent government intervention to secure the victims’ safe return.
Families, residents and well-wishers have since welcomed the news with jubilation, describing the release as an answered prayer and a significant boost to ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Security authorities are expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release in the coming days.
