From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to emulate the approach adopted by Oyo State, in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, saying the successful rescue in the neighbouring state should serve as a wake-up call for the Kwara government.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the PDP congratulated the Oyo State Government and residents on the rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing the development as the product of sustained public engagement, media pressure and what it called responsive leadership by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The opposition party argued that Makinde demonstrated commitment by making the rescue operation a priority and engaging with citizens who demanded action.
Drawing a comparison with the security situation in Kwara, the PDP accused the Abdulrazaq administration of failing to secure the release of victims abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
According to the party, scores of pregnant women, nursing mothers and children kidnapped during the attack remain in captivity months later, while affected families have continued to await decisive government intervention.
“Our party is worried that while Oyo people celebrate the return of their citizens, Kwara State is left mourning under a government that simply does not care. We cannot help but compare the Oyo success to the situation in Kwara, where about 176 innocent people abducted in Woro, Kaiama LGA, have been left in the kidnappers’ den since February 3, 2026,” the statement said.
The PDP further alleged that the Kwara government has failed to tackle insecurity with the urgency required, claiming that citizens who criticise the administration over security challenges are often treated as adversaries rather than partners.
The party also referred to a previous protest by women from Ifelodun Local Government Area, alleging that demonstrators demanding the rescue of abducted relatives were assaulted, while contrasting the incident with Governor Makinde’s engagement with protesters in Oyo State.
“The successful rescue in Oyo did not happen by accident. It happened because Governor Seyi Makinde, showed true leadership, made the crisis his top priority, and worked closely with the Federal Government and security agencies,” the statement added.
Commending the people of Oyo State, media organisations, civil society groups and activists, including the Ratel Movement led by VeryDarkMan, for sustaining pressure until the victims regained freedom, the PDP urged Governor Abdulrazaq to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held by kidnappers in Kwara.
The opposition party also called on journalists, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders in the state to continue demanding accountability and greater action from the government over the fate of the Woro victims and others still in captivity.
