Breaking: 176 Woro-Kwara Abductees Freed After 5 Months

Parts of Kwara State erupted in celebration on Wednesday after 176 abducted residents from Kaiama LGA’s Woro community regained their freedom following five months in captivity.

A widely circulated video obtained by Persecondnews showed a motorcade moving from Wawa in Niger State toward Woro, with onlookers celebrating the victims’ return.

PerSecondNews had reported the rescue of Oriire, Oyo state abductions about 50 later in July.

Gov. Seyi Makinde had already instituted a judicial panel into the incident.

Saidu Baba Ahmed, who represents the area in the Kwara State House of Assembly, confirmed that the 176 victims were freed through a coordinated operation by joint security forces.

“Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development. We gie thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and our security operatives,” the lawmaker said.

A senior state government official also celebrated the reported development, saying, “Woro Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom. Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”

The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State and Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, also confirmed the release.

Danladi said the victims were at the Wawa military cantonment in Niger State and were awaiting transportation to Kwara State.

“Yes, it’s true that they have been released, and I can’t tell for now whether ransom was paid or not.

“They are currently in Wawa military cantonment in Niger State, because our people are not the only victims released.

“But the office of the Secretary to the State Government is currently arranging vehicles that will bring them to Ilorin.

“So I thank Almighty God that their release happened in my time, and I’m very excited about this,” he said.

However, the State Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi said he was unaware of the reported release and could not confirm it.

“I’m not aware, so I cannot confirm it. I made contact with Kaiama Local Government, but I still couldn’t get concrete information.”