Kwara Groups Seek Rescue Of Over 170 Abductees

Community groups from Kwara State have asked the Federal Government to rescue more than 170 people still believed to be in captivity after attacks in Kaiama and Baruten areas.

Daily Trust put the figure at 176 people abducted during the attack on Woro community nearly six months ago, while Channels Television reported the appeal as covering more than 170 abductees. The difference is in the outlets’ wording, but both reports describe the same rescue demand from Kwara community groups.

In Kaiama, youths and residents staged a peaceful protest, saying the victims had spent 171 days in captivity. They marched through the Emir of Kaiama’s palace area, the Divisional Police Headquarters and the local government secretariat to press their demand.

Channels reported that Kwara community members in Abuja also held a security briefing through the Kaiama Development Association and the Batombu Unity and Development Initiative Abuja. Prof. Umaru Ishiaku Semo, one of the conveners, said the insecurity had killed many residents, displaced thousands and damaged livelihoods.

The groups called for stronger security deployment, including an Army battalion for Kaiama, and urged the government to act before more communities are overrun.

Sources: Daily Trust, Channels Television