Kwara reunites 146 rescued kidnap victims with families

The Kwara State Government on Friday reunited 146 rescued kidnap victims from the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area with their families, following 21 days of rehabilitation.

The government also provided financial assistance to help the victims rebuild their lives following the trauma: adults received ₦1 million each, youths received ₦500,000, and children were given ₦200,000.

The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government and State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, disclosed this during a reception held at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama to celebrate the victims’ return.

Danladi described the event as a memorable occasion for the people of Woro and Kaiama Local Government.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their decisive efforts in securing the victims’ safe return and ensuring their welfare.

“The state government has done well by providing 21 days of rehabilitation in Ilorin before reuniting them with their families,” Danladi said, adding that 146 victims have reunited with their families, while three others are still receiving medical treatment in the hospital.

Danladi urged the public to rally around the victims, noting that collective support is vital for their full recovery.

He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, calling on residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities.

Earlier, the Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Saliu, described the return of the 146 victims as a welcome relief for the community and called for sustained psychosocial support to help them overcome the trauma.

He commended the state government for beginning the reconstruction of shops destroyed during the attack, noting that the initiative would revive local commerce.

He also appealed for targeted assistance for displaced farmers.

“Agriculture is our mainstay. Our farmers have lost everything. The government should please provide them with the necessary support to start over,” Saliu said.

The Chairman of the Intervention Committee between the Government and Woro Community, Mr. Ahmed Ibn Ahmed, stated that over ₦80 million in total cash support had been disbursed to the rescued victims.

He noted that 13 individuals remain in captivity, urging authorities to intensify rescue operations.

Ahmed further appealed to the government to restore electricity to the Woro community and reinforce security in surrounding border areas, warning that criminal elements frequently exploit the nearby national park.

One of the rescued victims, Mariam Ayuba, expressed gratitude for her freedom and the financial aid, stating that the funds would enable her to restart her salon business.

Another victim, Amira Saliu, expressed immense joy at reuniting with her loved ones after six months in captivity.

Gunmen attacked the Woro community on February 3, abducting 176 residents. A joint security operation secured the release of the victims on August 5.