Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has received 163 rescued victims of terrorist attacks in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state, DAILY POST reports.
According to a statement by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola, 46 of the rescued victims are still receiving medical attention at a health facility.
Governor Abdulrazaq received them in Ilorin alongside the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, State Director, Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Michael Oganwu, Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, and Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Muazu Umaru.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said though the incident was sad and regrettable, the eventual rescue of the abductees indicate that the efforts made by the government and security forces were not futile.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support and for the special attention he paid to beef up security and foster peace in the state.
“This is one gathering that is filled with mixed feelings. It is regrettable that the whole incident happened at all, but at the same time, we are grateful to God that our collective efforts have paid off. Everyone has been rescued alive,” the governor said.
“I have since directed that appropriate medical attention be extended to anyone and everyone to ensure their well-being. Up till this time our government has extended various forms of support to the Woro community to aid their building efforts.
“On behalf of the people of Kwara State I extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We are truly grateful to him because he has paid special attention to Kwara. Each time I went to him to seek his assistance he swiftly responded.
“From Mr President’s actions you have seen there is total seriousness to protect Kwara and Nigeria. This will be a great security shield on Kwara. We truly appreciate his efforts in ensuring that this does not happen again. This is indeed a very sad situation.”
The governor assured that the government will continue to do its best to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens within the state.
He recalled his repeated engagements with the President to seek his continued assistance on security challenges in parts of the state and how those efforts have resulted in the establishment of Operation Savannah Shield, recruitment of a total of 2,600 forest guards and the recent creation of an additional five battalions of the Nigerian Army.
Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, who had earlier disclosed that 13 victims were still missing, said it was delightful to witness the handing over of the people kidnapped in Woro some months ago and thanked the governor’s ‘tireless’ efforts on the incident and his investments in the security sector.
Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umaru, commended the governor for standing by the community throughout the trying period and for ensuring the release of the kidnapped victims.
He expressed hope that such a tragic incident would not happen again in the state especially with the new military formations.