More than 176 women and children who were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending six months in captivity.
The victims were reportedly released on Wednesday, bringing relief to their families and residents who had waited months for their safe return.
Confirming the development, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, said security forces successfully rescued the victims.
He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to the security agencies and everyone involved in the operation.
“Kwara State Government is happy to announce that the people kidnapped from Woro community in Kwara North have been rescued. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security agencies and everyone who contributed to this success. We are truly grateful,” the statement read.
Although the government confirmed the rescue, it did not provide details on how the operation was carried out or whether any arrests were made.
The abduction attracted national attention in February after Boko Haram released a video showing 176 women and children in captivity.
In the footage, the terrorists questioned some of the victims, who identified Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area as the place where they were kidnapped.
The video showed dozens of women and children looking exhausted and distressed, with many wearing dirty clothes and some of the children barely dressed, highlighting the difficult conditions they endured.
The terrorists also accused the Kwara State Government of understating the number of people abducted, claiming officials had reported only 20 to 30 victims instead of the 176 they said were in their custody.The successful rescue has now brought an end to months of uncertainty for the victims and their families.
