Hundreds of youths and residents of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State on Saturday staged a peaceful protest, demanding the immediate rescue of 176 people abducted during a deadly attack on Woro community nearly six months ago.
The protesters said the victims have now spent 171 days in captivity without being rescued. They marched from the town’s main roundabout to the Emir of Kaiama’s Palace, proceeded to the Divisional Police Headquarters, and ended the demonstration at the local government secretariat, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Abdulhameed Abubakar said the protest was aimed at reminding both the federal and state governments that the abducted residents had remained in captivity for far too long without any significant breakthrough.
The protesters called for increased security deployment in the area, the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s February 5 promise to establish an Army battalion in Kaiama LGA, and the de-gazetting of the Kainji Lake National Park, which they alleged has become a safe haven for terrorists.
The Village Head of Woro, Umar Bio Salihu, whose wife and child remain among those abducted, made an emotional appeal to the authorities.
“Our appeal is simple. We want our people back,” he said.
National President of the Kaiama Development Association, Mallam Yakubu Salihu, expressed concern that the community feels neglected, arguing that governments had responded more swiftly to similar incidents in other parts of the country. He also warned that insecurity remains widespread, citing a recent attack on Aboki community and the alleged payment of a ₦40 million ransom in Venra.
Chairman of the State Intervention Committee and Kiwozi of Wozibe, Ahmed Ibn Muhammed, noted that abductees from Papiri and Oyo communities had regained their freedom, stressing that the Woro victims deserve the same level of attention. He also highlighted poor road infrastructure as a major obstacle to effective security operations.
Representing the women of the community, Hajia Hauwa Mohammed said mothers continue to live in fear as kidnappings persist across the area.
Responding to the protesters, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Afiz Nafiu, assured residents that security agencies had not abandoned efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims return safely,” the police officer said.
