The Kwara State Government has reunited 146 victims of the Woro community kidnapping with their families after 21 days of rehabilitation, providing financial support to help them rebuild their lives following months in captivity.
The victims were formally handed over to their families on Friday at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, amid emotional scenes as residents welcomed their loved ones. The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, said the victims had undergone rehabilitation in Ilorin before their return.
Danladi disclosed that adults received 1 million naira each, youths 500,000 naira and children 200,000 naira as relief support. He said three other victims remained in hospital receiving treatment, while more than 80 million naira had so far been distributed to the rescued victims. He urged residents and community leaders to support the returnees as they recover from the psychological and economic impact of their ordeal.
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Saliu, commended the government’s intervention and appealed for further assistance for farmers who lost their livelihoods after fleeing the community. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Government-Woro Community Intervention Committee, Mr Ahmed Ibn Ahmed, said 13 people were still in captivity and appealed for intensified efforts to secure their release.
The Woro community was attacked on Feb. 3, when 176 people were reportedly abducted, while the rescued victims were freed on Aug. 5 after about six months in captivity.
Leave a comment