Kwara NDC urges Governor to act fast for 176 abducted victims

The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to quickly and decisively secure the release of the 176 women and children taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.

In a statement on Monday by its State Publicity Secretary, Ibraheem Gbagba, the opposition party said the victims have been in captivity for about 158 days.

The party labeled the long captivity of these abductees as a humanitarian disaster. They said it has caused their families severe emotional and psychological pain.

The party voiced serious concern for the victims and their families. They noted that each day of captivity increases the suffering of families waiting for their loved ones to return safely.

The statement said, “We express our deep concern over the prolonged abduction of our people in Kaiama Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for about 158 days.

“The pains, tears, and sufferings of the affected families have become unbearable. Every passing day increases the trauma of mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, and loved ones who continue to pray and wait for the safe return of their family members.”

The NDC praised the recent rescue of abducted victims in Oyo State. They credited the success to teamwork between the state government, security agencies, community leaders, and others involved.

The party said this shows that strong leadership and working together can lead to good results in kidnapping situations.

“We commend the efforts of the Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders, and all stakeholders whose coordinated actions recently led to the successful release of abducted victims in Oyo State,” the statement said.

“Their commitment shows that with determination, teamwork, intelligence gathering, and political will, lives can be saved and families reunited.”

The opposition party compared the Oyo operation to the situation in Kwara. They called on the Kwara State Government to step up efforts to rescue the Kaiama abductees.

“We therefore respectfully appeal to the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to urgently take more proactive and decisive steps toward securing the freedom of the Kaiama abductees,” the statement said.

As part of its recommendations, the NDC urged the state government to work closely with federal security agencies and boost rescue operations in the affected areas.

The party also suggested forming a high-level team to focus on negotiation and ensuring the victims return safely. They called for traditional rulers, community leaders, and local vigilante groups to help in gathering intelligence.

They also recommended that the government give regular updates to families and the public on rescue efforts. They want increased security presence in vulnerable areas in Kaiama and other parts of Kwara North. They also called for emergency support for families facing emotional and financial struggles.

“The safety and protection of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government. The people of Kwara State deserve urgent action, hope, and results,” the party stated.

The NDC also asked residents, civil society groups, religious leaders, and community members to come together in pushing for the safe return of the abductees.

“We call on all well-meaning Kwarans, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to unite in demanding the safe return of our abducted brothers and sisters. Enough of the tears. Enough of the waiting. Bring back our families,” the party added.