Kwara Gov AbdulRazaq receives 163 rescued Woro victims

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has received 163 residents rescued after being abducted during terrorist attacks on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were received by the governor in Ilorin, with 46 of them still undergoing medical treatment at a health facility.

The Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola, disclosed this in a statement.

AbdulRazaq received the rescued victims alongside the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume; Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi; State Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, Michael Oganwu; Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi; and the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umaru.

Speaking during the gathering, AbdulRazaq described the incident as painful and regrettable but said the successful rescue of the abductees showed that the combined efforts of the government and security agencies had yielded results.

“This is one gathering that is filled with mixed feelings. It is regrettable that the whole incident happened at all, but at the same time, we are grateful to God that our collective efforts have paid off. Everyone has been rescued alive,” the governor said.

He said the state government had directed that all the rescued victims receive the necessary medical attention to safeguard their health and well-being.

“I have since directed that appropriate medical attention be extended to anyone and everyone to ensure their well-being. Up till this time our government has extended various forms of support to the Woro community to aid their building efforts.

“On behalf of the people of Kwara State I extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We are truly grateful to him because he has paid special attention to Kwara. Each time I went to him to seek his assistance he swiftly responded.

“From Mr President’s actions you have seen there is total seriousness to protect Kwara and Nigeria. This will be a great security shield on Kwara. We truly appreciate his efforts in ensuring that this does not happen again. This is indeed a very sad situation.”

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to take measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.

He also recalled his engagements with President Tinubu over security challenges in some parts of Kwara, noting that the efforts had contributed to the establishment of Operation Savannah Shield, the recruitment of 2,600 forest guards and the creation of five additional Nigerian Army battalions.

Earlier, the Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, had revealed that 13 people were still missing. He expressed relief over the return of the Woro residents who had been kidnapped several months ago and praised the governor for his sustained efforts and investment in security.

The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umaru, also commended AbdulRazaq for supporting the community throughout the crisis and working towards the release of the abducted residents.

He expressed optimism that a similar tragedy would not occur again in the state, particularly with the establishment of the new military formations.