13 still missing after 163 abducted in Kwara are rescued

The National Chairman of the Kaiama Development Association, Yakubu Salihu, said that only 163 out of 176 women and children taken from Woro, a community in Kwara State, have been found. The remaining 13 are still missing.

Armed terrorists attacked Woro on February 3. They killed many residents and kidnapped 176 women and children. This was one of the worst attacks in Kwara North this year.

On Thursday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced that the security forces had rescued the abductees. They were found in the Kainji Lake National Park forest, along with 145 others taken from nearby Niger State.

Mr Salihu spoke after the governor revealed that the 163 rescued people are getting medical care. He asked, "One hundred and seventy-six were taken away, only 163 were released, leaving 13 people still missing. Where are the others?"

Mr Salihu also shared that some women gave birth during the six months they were held captive. The governor said the rescued victims are expected back in Kwara by Saturday for more medical attention and to help them settle down.

In a statement about the rescue, the governor said the victims are currently at a federal health facility. They will return to Kwara after their medical procedures for rehabilitation and reintegration. He said, "The rescued citizens are currently receiving medical care and support at a federal health facility. We will be glad to receive them in the state upon the completion of their medical procedures."

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the victims were saved through a coordinated effort by security agencies. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his quick action in securing the release of the captives. He also mentioned that about 145 other people taken from Niger State were freed during the same operation.

The governor praised the National Security Adviser’s Office, the State Security Service, the Nigerian Army, and the police for their teamwork in the rescue. He urged residents to keep sharing useful security information with authorities to prevent future attacks. He is hopeful that more troops and military equipment, along with new military units in the state, will help fight against terrorists.

Mr Salihu also repeated the call from the Kaima community for the federal government to quickly set up a permanent Nigerian Army battalion in Kaiama. He said the lack of security personnel has made communities open to repeated attacks.

He said, "The federal government is working towards establishing a Nigerian Army battalion in our community. We are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations."

Mr Salihu believes that having a permanent military presence would improve security, help with emergency responses, and prevent future attacks. He also urged the government to fix the bad roads in Kaiama Local Government Area to make security operations and trade better.

Even with the rescue of 163 victims, worries remain about the 13 people who are still missing.