Kaiama residents demand release of 176 Woro abductees after 171 days in captivity

Residents of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State at the weekend staged a peaceful protest, demanding the release of 176 residents of Woro community who have remained in captivity for 171 days.

 

The protesters, who turned out in large numbers, expressed frustration over what they described as the prolonged silence and lack of visible progress in efforts to secure the victims’ release.

 

Speaking during the protest, Salihu Yakubu, the President of the Kaiama Development Association, laments the abductees had remained in captivity since February 3, with no official update on their rescue.

 

Yakubu alleged that more than 300 people lost their lives during the attack on Woro community, while 176 others including women, children and men were abducted.

 

He expressed dismay over what he described as the absence of a strong government presence in the area, saying residents had been neglected for too long.

 

“Woro community was attacked in February and 176 people were taken away. There has been no update on their whereabouts.

We are calling on the government to come to our rescue and bring back our children, wives and husbands.

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“Enough is enough. The government should act swiftly to rescue our innocent people. The Woro abductees should not be treated differently from other Nigerians,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Umar Bio-Salihu, the Village Head of Woro community, said the community was yet to recover from the trauma of the attack.

 

He added that other communities, including Nuku, Tenebo, Kemaanji and Maje, had also come under repeated attacks by suspected bandits.

 

“Since the attack on Woro community, other communities in Kaiama have continued to experience attacks. Our people are living in fear.

 

“The government acted swiftly in similar incidents in other parts of the country. We appeal for the same commitment to securing the release of our people. We are Nigerians. Please rescue our people and reunite them with their families,” he pleaded.

 

One of the protesters, Awwal Mohammed, said insecurity had crippled economic activities in the area, preventing residents from accessing their farms and markets.

 

She said the prolonged captivity of the victims had left families devastated and the entire community feeling abandoned.

 

Abdulhammeed Abubakar, the convener of the protest, described the demonstration as a wake-up call to the authorities.

 

“Our people deserve urgent attention. We urge the government to intensify efforts to rescue them and reunite them with their families,” he said.

 

 

Responding, Suleiman Tanko, the spokesperson for Kaiama Local Government, assured residents that the council chairman, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and security agencies, was making efforts to secure the victims’ release.

 

The protest attracted a large turnout of men, women, youths and children and the protesters marched from the Kaiama Roundabout through the Emir’s Palace and the Kaiama Police Station before terminating the procession at the Kaiama Local Government Secretariat.