Freed Kwara Kidnap Victims Return as Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over Missing Children
ILORIN — Victims rescued after months in captivity following the deadly attack on Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived safely in Ilorin, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to secure their release.
The group was received late Thursday at the Nigerian Army's 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, before being moved to a secure location, where they are currently undergoing medical checks and receiving support.
The victims were among those abducted in February 2026, when armed attackers stormed Woro Community, killing several residents and taking many others into the forest. The incident sparked widespread concern and prompted intensified security operations involving multiple agencies.
Their release followed months of coordinated military operations, after which they were transported from neighbouring Niger State to Kwara.
State authorities are expected to formally present the rescued victims to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently engaged security agencies throughout efforts to secure their freedom.
While officials continue to verify the exact number of those rescued, attention has now shifted to the condition of the survivors and the fate of those who remain unaccounted for.
Meanwhile, the member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed, has expressed concern that not all of the 176 people reportedly kidnapped during the attacks on Woro and Nukku communities have returned home.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the lawmaker said information provided by some of the rescued victims suggests that around 25 abductees are still missing.
According to him, some of those kidnapped are believed to have died while in captivity, while others—particularly children aged 13 years and above—were allegedly recruited into the armed groups that abducted them.
The claims have not been independently verified by security authorities.
Hon. Baba-Ahmed confirmed that the rescued victims are receiving medical attention and psychosocial care before they are reunited with their families.
He also commended both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government for their continued efforts, as well as the security agencies whose operations led to the successful rescue of many of the abductees.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations and rescue operations as efforts persist to locate those who remain missing and reunite them with their loved ones.
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