JUST IN: 163 freed Kwara abductees reunite with families

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 by the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi; the Emir of Kaiama, Omar Shehu Muazu; and the Kiwazi of Wojibe, Ahmed Ibn Mohammad.

A statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Baniya, the chief press secretary to the LG chairman, said the return of the freed abductees was marked by emotional scenes as family members, who had waited anxiously for their loved ones, welcomed them back to the community.

It added that the local government chairman personally ensured that the victims were safely conveyed from Ilorin to Kaiama following their period of medical care.

Danladi thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for their roles and support in efforts that led to the freedom of the abductees.

“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.”

The council chairman also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, describing his advocacy and solidarity during the period as significant.

“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.

Danladi also commended the Emir of Kaiama and the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support while the victims were in captivity.

He further thanked stakeholders in the area, the Kaiama Development Association, as well as various unions and indigenes of the community at home and in the diaspora, for their prayers and contributions.

“The unity and collective efforts of our people formed the bedrock upon which this victory was built,” the chairman added.

The PUNCH reports that the 163 victims were among residents abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community and later regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

The victims were subsequently taken to Ilorin for medical attention before their eventual return to Kaiama and reunion with their families.