176 Woro Kidnapped Victims Regain Freedom After 6 Months in Captivity

Relief and celebration swept through Kwara State on Wednesday following the release of victims abducted during the deadly terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area earlier this year.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State and Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Abubakar Danladi, confirmed the development, revealing that the freed victims are currently at the Wawa Military Cantonment in neighbouring Niger State awaiting transportation back to Kwara.

Speaking in an interview, Danladi expressed gratitude over the victims’ freedom but said it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid to secure their release.

“Yes, it’s true that they have been released, and I can’t tell for now whether ransom was paid or not. They are currently in Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State because our people are not the only victims released. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government is arranging vehicles to bring them to Ilorin. I thank Almighty God that their release happened during my tenure, and I’m very happy about it,” he said.

The release was also confirmed by the member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed, who described the development as a moment of immense joy.

“Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and our security operatives,” the lawmaker stated.

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Earlier on Wednesday, the Kwara State Government announced the victims’ release in a brief statement published on its official Facebook page.

The statement read: “Alhamdulillah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”

The victims were abducted during a brutal terrorist invasion of Woro community on February 3, 2026. The attack remains one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s recent history, claiming the lives of between 162 and 170 residents, while local sources and humanitarian estimates suggested the death toll could have reached as many as 200.

More than 170 people were reported abducted or declared missing during the assault, triggering widespread outrage and intensified security operations across the region.

While the return of the captives marks a significant breakthrough, authorities have yet to disclose the full circumstances surrounding their release, including whether negotiations or ransom payments were involved. The development is expected to bring renewed hope to affected families as the victims prepare to reunite with their loved ones.

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