Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara State, has received 163 victims who were abducted from communities in the state and recently rescued by combined security forces.
Gatekeepers News reports that the victims were handed over to the governor by the Nigerian Army on Friday in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking during the handover, Abdulrazaq congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful rescue operation and commended the security agencies involved for their collaboration, bravery and commitment to restoring peace and security in the state.
The Kwara State Government had on Wednesday announced the release of residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA).
Olayinka Fafoluyi, the governor’s media aide, announced the development in a Facebook post.
“Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” Fafoluyi wrote.
The victims were abducted on February 3 after armed assailants launched coordinated attacks on Woro, Nuku and other neighbouring communities in Kaiama LGA.
The attacks reportedly killed at least 75 people, displaced several residents and left communities severely affected.
While the exact number of people abducted was not immediately clear, reports estimated that about 170 women, children and other residents were taken hostage during the attacks.
In April, a video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to secure their release.
