Dozens of women and children abducted from Woro and neighbouring communities in Kwara State have returned home after about six months in captivity, bringing relief to families while renewing calls for stronger security across Kwara North.
The February 3 attack reportedly left scores dead and 176 women and children abducted. The Kwara State Government credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and other stakeholders for the rescue, describing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to restore security to the affected communities.
However, the exact number of survivors remains unclear. The Kaiama Development Association said 163 of the 176 abducted persons had returned, leaving 13 unaccounted for. A member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba-Ahmed, also alleged that some captives may have died while others were allegedly forced into the activities of the armed group. The claims have not been independently verified.
The survivors were reportedly taken to a federal facility in neighbouring Niger State for medical attention before being transported to Ilorin. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq later visited them in hospital and assured them of government support for their medical care, rehabilitation and recovery.
The rescue has also intensified demands for a permanent security solution. Governor AbdulRazaq said President Tinubu had approved military reinforcement in strategic locations in the state. For residents, the return of the Woro survivors is a major relief, but preventing another mass abduction and ensuring the safe return of anyone still missing remain urgent priorities.
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