Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The 163 residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were rescued from bandit captivity in early August, have finally returned home and reunited with their families after spending more than two weeks receiving medical treatment in Ilorin, the state capital. The victims were escorted back to Kaiama on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Danladi; the Emir of Kaiama, Omar Shehu Muazu; and the Kiwazi of Wojibe, Ahmed Ibn Mohammad, according to a statement issued by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's Chief Press Secretary, MD Baniya.
The return was marked by deeply emotional scenes as family members who had waited anxiously for their loved ones welcomed them back to the community. The local government chairman personally ensured that the victims were safely conveyed from Ilorin to Kaiama following their period of medical care. Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier disclosed on August 6 that the rescued citizens were receiving comprehensive medical care and support at a federal health facility, and that the state would provide additional support to facilitate their reintegration into society. "I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu for committing more boots and military hardware on ground in our state with the establishment of new military formations. I am very hopeful that more successes lie ahead in our war against the terrorists," the governor said.
The 163 victims were among residents abducted during the February 3, 2026, terrorist attack on Woro community and later regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in the Kainji Lake National Park forest. However, the joy of their return is tempered by the painful reality that 13 persons among the 176 originally abducted remain unaccounted for, according to community leaders.
Speaking after the reunion, Danladi expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for their support toward securing the release of the abductees. "I express our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fatherly concern and unwavering support. We are equally grateful to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his intervention and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every citizen of Kwara State," he said. He also commended the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, for his relentless advocacy and solidarity throughout the ordeal, as well as the Emir of Kaiama and the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support while the victims were in captivity.
The release and return of the 163 victims come amid growing security concerns in communities bordering the Kainji Lake National Park, particularly in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Niger State. Residents have previously told SaharaReporters that the worsening insecurity was forcing people to abandon their communities and relocate to Kaiama town, Ilorin and other areas. The attacks have also raised concerns over the spread of insecurity across the North-Central region, particularly around forest corridors linking Kwara and Niger states.
For the families of the 163 rescued victims, Thursday marked the end of a six-month nightmare. For the 13 families still waiting, the search continues.
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