Woro Abductees Reunite With Families After Months In Captivity

Victims of the February 2026 kidnapping in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been reunited with their families after spending months in captivity.

The victims, who were rescued by a joint security operation on August 4, 2026, were on Thursday taken back to their ancestral communities in Kaiama from Ilorin, the state capital, where they had been receiving medical attention since their release.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, M.D. Baniya, announced their return in a statement issued Thursday night.

Baniya said the victims’ journey home was led by the Executive Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, who personally ensured that they were safely escorted from Ilorin to Kaiama.

The delegation also included the Emir of Kaiama, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Omar Shehu Muazu, Bagidi Kiyaru IV, and the Kiwazi of Wojibe, Hon. Ahmed Ibn Mohammad.

“Together, this distinguished entourage travelled all the way from Ilorin to Kaiama, ensuring that the victims, many still frail but hopeful, arrived with dignity and honour,” the statement said.

The return sparked an emotional reception in the community, with families and residents welcoming the victims with tears of joy, prayers of gratitude and cheers of relief after weeks of uncertainty.

“Today (Thursday), the nightmare ends. Tomorrow, healing begins. And in Kaiama, the people have shown once again that no one walks alone when community, tradition, and leadership stand as one,” the statement added.

Baniya said the Kaiama council chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for their swift intervention and commitment to the safety of the victims.

He also commended the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, for his advocacy and solidarity throughout the ordeal.

The chairman further appreciated the Emir of Kaiama and members of the Kaiama Emirate Council for their prayers, guidance and moral support during the difficult period.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the victims were abducted by gunmen in Woro community in February 2026. The attackers also allegedly killed about 200 residents and set residential houses and shops on fire.