After Six Months in Captivity, Woro Abductees Return to Kwara

Survivors rescued from the notorious mass abduction in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been formally handed over to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, marking an emotional milestone in one of the state’s most devastating security crises in recent years.

The rescued victims, most of whom are women and children, arrived in Ilorin late Thursday under tight security after spending about six months in captivity. They were first received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division Headquarters before being handed over to the Kwara State Government for medical care, psychological support and reunification with their families.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who welcomed the victims, described their return as a moment of relief for the entire state. He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for the painstaking operation that secured their freedom, saying the rescue demonstrated the value of sustained inter-agency collaboration against criminal groups.

The governor assured the survivors that the state government would provide comprehensive medical treatment, trauma counselling and other humanitarian assistance to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of their ordeal. He also pledged continued support for their families and communities affected by the attacks.

The victims were among those abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The coordinated assault claimed the lives of scores of residents, destroyed homes and forced hundreds to flee, while 176 people were taken hostage. The attack sparked nationwide outrage and prompted intensified military operations across the Kainji forest axis.

The rescue followed an intelligence-led military operation that also secured the release of abductees from neighbouring Niger State. President Bola Tinubu described the mission as Nigeria’s largest single-day hostage recovery, praising the military and security agencies for their professionalism and coordination in rescuing more than 300 kidnapped persons.

Despite the successful operation, concerns remain over the long-term welfare of the survivors. A lawmaker representing the affected area disclosed that some children who spent months in captivity may have been forcibly recruited or indoctrinated by the armed groups, underscoring the need for rehabilitation, counselling and community reintegration programmes.

Residents, who had staged protests in recent weeks demanding government action, expressed joy over the victims’ return but urged authorities to maintain pressure on armed groups still operating in remote forest areas along the Kwara–Niger border. Community leaders also called for stronger security deployments to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

The Kwara State Government said efforts are now focused on restoring normalcy to Woro and neighbouring communities through enhanced security, humanitarian support and reconstruction initiatives, while investigations continue to track down those responsible for the February massacre and mass abduction.