163 Kwara Abduction Victims Return, 13 Still Missing

One hundred and sixty-three people taken from Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State have returned after about six months in captivity, while 13 remained unaccounted for.

The return gives the affected families their first major relief since the February attack on the Kaiama Local Government Area communities. Community accounts said 13 people had still not returned.

The Kwara State Government announced the development on Wednesday and thanked President Bola Tinubu, security forces and others involved in securing the victims’ freedom. Punch reported that the victims were abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro and Nuku.

Vanguard reported that Kaiama Local Government chairman Abubakar Danladi confirmed the release and said the victims were at Wawa military cantonment in Niger State while arrangements were being made to bring them to Kwara. He said he could not confirm whether ransom was paid.

Premium Times also reported the state government’s announcement, saying officials had not yet released full details on the conditions of the release. The return follows earlier NaijaTrend coverage of the families’ appeal for rescue here and the police dispute over the abduction figure here.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times and Daily Trust.