By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
The National Chairman of Kaiama Development Association, Alhaji Yakubu Salihu, has disclosed that 13 persons remain unaccounted for among the Woro kidnap victims who regained freedom after spending about six months in captivity.
Salihu made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Ilorin, stating that available records showed that 163 out of the 176 persons abducted during the attack had returned.
“We have records that 163 victims returned against 176 persons that were abducted, so 13 persons are currently unaccounted for,” he said.
The community leader also revealed that some of the female victims became pregnant while in captivity, while others gave birth during the period.
He added that the Kwara State Government was making arrangements to transport the released victims to Ilorin, where they would receive further support and be properly resettled.
“Hopefully, by Friday they will be moved back to Ilorin,” he said.
Salihu appealed to the state government to urgently rehabilitate the roads linking Kaiama, describing their current condition as deplorable and a major challenge to movement and security response.
“Four roads leading to Kaiama are in deplorable conditions, so we are appealing to the state government to fix them,” he said.
He also urged the Federal Government to accelerate the establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in the area, stressing that a permanent military presence would help prevent future attacks and restore confidence among residents.
“The Federal Government is making efforts to establish a battalion of the Nigerian Army here. As a community, we are ready to provide a suitable location and every support needed to ensure the military settles in quickly and begins operations,” he said.
The community leader commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims, but noted that sustainable peace would require stronger and continuous security measures.
He identified inadequate security personnel as one of the major challenges facing the area, saying the limited number of operatives currently deployed has affected emergency response and exposed communities to criminal activities.
According to him, the establishment of a permanent military formation would improve surveillance, enhance response time and serve as a deterrent to criminals.
The rescued Woro victims are currently in Niger State, where they are undergoing medical checks, security screening and other administrative procedures before their return to Kwara State.
Vanguard gathered that the victims are expected to arrive in Kwara on Friday, subject to the completion of the ongoing processes.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is also expected to receive the victims upon their arrival in the state.
The release of the victims has attracted commendations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
The development has brought relief to families and residents of Woro community, where scores of people were abducted during a violent attack that heightened concerns over insecurity in Kwara North.
The post 13 Woro kidnap victims still missing after 163 regain freedom — Community Leader appeared first on Vanguard News.