Seven road construction workers kidnapped from a Kwara state government project site in December 2025 have been released after spending several weeks in the hands of their abductors.
Gatekeepers News reports that the workers were taken on December 15 while carrying out construction work along the Sabaja–Owa–Onire road in Isin LGA of the state. Their abduction had sparked fear among residents and raised concerns about the safety of workers on public infrastructure projects.
Confirming their release on Monday in Ilorin, Olajide Abolarin, press secretary to the Kwara state ministry of works, said the workers regained their freedom following sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies.
Abdulquawy Olododo, commissioner for works and transport, described the development as a breakthrough in the state’s fight against insecurity. He said the successful operation was the result of close collaboration between the government, security operatives, and community stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Olododo praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for showing strong leadership and commitment in addressing security challenges in the state, adding that the Governor remained actively involved throughout the rescue process.
The commissioner disclosed that two of the released workers are engineers employed by the Kwara state Ministry of Works, while the others are private contractors working on the road project. He said their safe return has brought relief to their families, colleagues, and the wider community.
“We are grateful to His Excellency and the security agencies. We also appreciate everyone who stood by us during these difficult times,” Olododo said.
Residents of the affected communities have also expressed relief over the development, calling on the government to further strengthen security around project sites and major roads to prevent a recurrence.
