One hundred and seventy-six women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after six months in captivity, the Kwara State government has confirmed.
The victims, who were reportedly held by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, were released on Wednesday, bringing relief to their families and the community after months of uncertainty. Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, announced in a statement that security forces had rescued the kidnapped persons. The government expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security agencies, and all who contributed to the operation.
“Kwara State Government is happy to share that the security forces have rescued the people who were kidnapped at Woro community in Kwara North,” the statement read. “Kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”
Authorities did not immediately disclose details of the rescue operation or whether any suspects were arrested.
The abduction gained wider attention after a video surfaced showing the captives paraded by their abductors. In the footage, obtained by SaharaReporters, terrorists identifying themselves as members of Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad interrogated several women, including a nursing mother, who confirmed in Hausa that they were taken from Woro in Kaiama LGA. Dozens of women and children appeared in rows, visibly distressed, clothed in worn and dirty garments, with some children lacking basic attire.
One of the terrorists in the video accused the Kwara State government of misleading the public and the international community about the scale of the kidnapping. He claimed officials had reported only 20 to 30 people abducted, while the actual number held was 176. “The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the whole world,” the terrorist asserted.
The successful rescue marks a significant development in a case that underscored the reach of extremist violence into Nigeria’s North Central region. While the return of the victims offers a measure of closure, the incident highlights persistent security gaps and the need for sustained efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Further details on the operation and the condition of the rescued individuals are expected in the coming days.
