Kwara NDC Urges Governor to Act Swiftly for 176 Abductees' Release

The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress is calling on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to act quickly to free the 176 women and children taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.

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

They described the long captivity of these people as a humanitarian disaster that has caused their families great emotional and psychological pain.

The party expressed serious worry over the situation of the victims and their families. They said that each day without news makes the wait harder for those hoping to see their loved ones again.

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 kidnapped victims in Oyo State. They credited this success to teamwork between the state government, security agencies, community leaders, and other groups.

The party said this shows that good leadership and teamwork can lead to success in fighting kidnapping.

“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,” it stated.

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

Comparing the Oyo rescue to the situation in Kwara, the NDC urged the state government to do more to save the abductees in Kaiama.

“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.

The NDC suggested that the state government should work closely with federal security agencies and boost rescue efforts in the affected areas.

They also proposed creating a special team for negotiation to help bring the victims home safely and involving traditional leaders, community heads, and local vigilante groups in gathering intelligence.

Additionally, they recommended that the government keep families and the public updated on rescue activities, increase security in vulnerable areas across Kaiama, and set up support systems for families facing emotional and financial difficulties.

“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 said.

The NDC also called on residents, civil society groups, religious leaders, and community members to come together and demand 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.