163 Kwara Abductees Return Home 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 returned home and reunited with their families after spending more than two weeks receiving medical treatment in Ilorin.

The victims were brought 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.

Their return triggered emotional scenes in the community as relatives who had endured weeks of uncertainty finally welcomed their loved ones home.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, MD Baniya.

According to the statement, Danladi personally supervised the transportation of the rescued residents from Ilorin to Kaiama to ensure their safe return after completing their period of medical care.

The council chairman expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their roles in efforts that culminated in the victims regaining their freedom.

“I express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly concern and unwavering support,” Danladi was quoted as saying.

“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 support of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, particularly his advocacy and solidarity during the period the victims remained 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.

He further commended the Emir of Kaiama and the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support, while also recognising the contributions of the Kaiama Development Association, unions and indigenes of the community at home and abroad.

“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 later regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in the Kainji Lake National Park forest, after which they were moved to Ilorin for medical attention.