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 more than two weeks of medical treatment in Ilorin.
The Punch reported that the victims were taken back to Kaiama on Thursday under the supervision of 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.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, MD Baniya, the return sparked emotional scenes as relatives who had spent weeks awaiting their loved ones welcomed them back.
Danladi personally supervised the transportation of the rescued residents from Ilorin to Kaiama after they completed their medical care.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for their support and interventions in securing the victims’ 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.”
The council chairman also praised the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, for his advocacy and solidarity throughout the ordeal.
“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 further acknowledged the Emir of Kaiama and the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support while the victims remained in captivity.
He also commended the Kaiama Development Association, various unions and community members in Nigeria and the diaspora for their contributions and support.
“The unity and collective efforts of our people formed the bedrock upon which this victory was built,” the chairman added.
The 163 victims were among residents abducted during an attack on Woro community on February 3.
They were later freed following a coordinated security operation in the forest of Kainji Lake National Park.
After their rescue, the victims were moved to Ilorin, where they received medical attention before being cleared to return to their community and reunite with their families.
