The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of 176 women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, saying the recent rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in neighbouring Oyo State demonstrates that determined leadership can yield results.
The opposition party made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, while congratulating the Oyo State Government on the successful rescue of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.
The abductees from Woro community were reportedly taken away during an overnight attack on February 3, 2026. Despite military operations, government assurances and public protests, they remain in captivity more than five months later.
According to the PDP, the Oyo rescue operation highlights the importance of decisive leadership, sustained engagement with security agencies and consistent public communication in addressing insecurity.
“The successful rescue in Oyo did not happen by accident. It happened because Governor Seyi Makinde showed true leadership, made the crisis his top priority, and worked closely with the Federal Government and security agencies,” Adewara said.
The party lamented that while Oyo residents were celebrating the return of their loved ones, many families in Kwara were still waiting for the release of those abducted in Woro.
“We cannot help but compare the Oyo success to the situation in Kwara, where about 176 innocent people abducted in Woro, Kaiama LGA, have been left in the kidnappers’ den since February 3, 2026,” the statement read.
The PDP further alleged that communities affected by kidnappings and bandit attacks in the state had not received adequate attention from the government. It also accused the administration of being intolerant of criticism from citizens demanding stronger action against insecurity.
“Instead of fighting bandits, this administration treats anyone who points out its failures as an enemy, using state institutions to hunt down and silence dissenting voices,” Adewara alleged.
The opposition party also referred to a previous protest by women from Ifelodun Local Government Area, claiming they were assaulted while demanding the rescue of their abducted relatives.
Drawing a contrast with Oyo State, the PDP commended Governor Seyi Makinde for engaging protesters during the campaign for the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, describing the approach as an example of responsive leadership.
The party also praised the media, civil society organisations, and the Ratel Movement led by activist VeryDarkMan for sustaining advocacy until the victims regained their freedom.
It urged Governor AbdulRazaq to make the rescue of the Woro abductees an immediate priority.
“We challenge Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to see this development as a wake-up call and immediately rescue the Woro children and pregnant women,” Adewara said.
The PDP also called on journalists, civil society organisations, academics and other public interest groups in Kwara State to continue demanding accountability over the fate of those still being held by kidnappers.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Kwara State Government were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, were not responded to as of the time of filing the report.
