Rescued victims of the February bandit attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived in Ilorin after spending several months in captivity, even as the Kaiama Development Association (KDA) says 13 abductees are yet to be accounted for.
The victims were brought into the Kwara State capital late Thursday following a coordinated security operation that secured their freedom. They were received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, before being moved to a secure location where they are expected to undergo medical checks, counselling and other support services.
The return of the victims marks a major breakthrough in efforts to rescue residents kidnapped during the February 3 invasion of Woro community, where heavily armed bandits reportedly killed scores of people and whisked away women and children into the forest.
The freed victims were transported from neighbouring Niger State after security agencies successfully secured their release through sustained operations.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is expected to formally receive the rescued victims after security agencies complete verification to determine the exact number of those rescued and conclude other post-rescue procedures.
However, despite the latest rescue, the Kaiama Development Association insists the ordeal is not over.
National Chairman of the association, Yakubu Salihu, disclosed that while 163 of the 176 women and children abducted during the attack have regained freedom after about six months, 13 others remain missing.
“176 were taken away, only 163 were released, thus short of 13 people. Where are the others?” Salihu asked.
He described the condition of the victims as heartbreaking, revealing that some of the women gave birth while in captivity, underscoring the trauma they endured during their months in the hands of the kidnappers.
Salihu said the rescued victims would receive medical treatment, rehabilitation and resettlement support upon their return to Kwara.
He also renewed the association’s appeal to the Federal Government to fast-track the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama, arguing that inadequate security personnel has left communities exposed to repeated attacks.
“The Federal Government is working towards establishing a Nigerian Army battalion in our community. As a community, we are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations,” he said.
According to him, the security personnel currently serving the area are overstretched and unable to respond promptly to emergencies.
“If the Federal Government can expedite the establishment of the military base, we are ready to provide every necessary support to ensure its smooth take-off. Once the battalion is operational, security response will be faster, and we believe it will go a long way in preventing similar attacks from happening again,” he added.
Salihu further appealed to federal and state authorities to rehabilitate the road network in Kaiama Local Government Area, saying poor roads continue to hinder security operations and socio-economic development.
The return of the rescued victims has brought relief to many families, but the continued absence of 13 captives has kept anxiety alive as residents and community leaders press for intensified efforts to secure their freedom and strengthen security across Kaiama and neighbouring communities.
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