From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has claimed that Friday’s peaceful protest by residents of Kaiama, over the continued captivity of Woro community members, reflects what it described as growing public dissatisfaction with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s handling of security in the state.
The opposition party made the assertion in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, following the demonstration by hundreds of residents demanding the rescue of 176 people abducted from Woro community about 171 days ago.
According to the PDP, the decision by protesters to direct their appeal to President Bola Tinubu, instead of the state government, suggests that many residents have lost confidence in the governor’s ability to address the worsening security situation.
“Seeing Kaiama protesters with placards appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu is a vote of no confidence in Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership and his nonchalant handling of the security crisis in Kwara State,” the statement said.
The party argued that while the President remained the Commander-in-Chief, governors were expected to coordinate security efforts within their states, engage security agencies, reassure affected communities and provide visible leadership during crises.
The PDP further accused the governor of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to securing the release of the abductees, asking how many times he had personally met with their families, what rescue strategies had been adopted and what support had been provided to those affected since the February attack.
It also alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq’s prolonged absence from the state had created what it called a leadership vacuum at a time communities were grappling with serious security challenges.
The opposition party, however, commended President Tinubu for what it described as efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through increased funding, deployment of security personnel and acquisition of military assets, while insisting that such efforts required complementary action from state governments.
The statement urged the governor to “abandon his habitual silence and take ownership of the security challenges confronting our state,” adding that leadership required standing with citizens during difficult times.
Earlier on Friday, hundreds of residents of Kaiama Local Government Area, staged a peaceful protest to demand the release of 176 residents of Woro community who have remained in captivity since they were abducted during an attack on February 3.
The protesters marched from the Kaiama Roundabout through the Emir’s Palace and Kaiama Police Station before ending at the Local Government Secretariat, calling on both the Federal and Kwara State governments to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
President of the Kaiama Development Association, Alhaji Salihu Yakubu, said more than 300 people were reportedly killed during the attack, while 176 others, including women, children and men, were abducted.
“Woro community was attacked in February and 176 people were taken away. There has been no update on their whereabouts,” Yakubu said.
“We are calling on the government to come to our rescue and bring back our children, wives and husbands. Enough is enough. The government should act swiftly to rescue our innocent people. Woro abductees should not be treated differently from other Nigerians.”
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Bio-Salihu, said neighbouring communities including Nuku, Tenebo, Kemaanji and Maje had also suffered attacks by suspected bandits.
“Our people are living in fear,” he said, appealing to the government to show the same level of commitment displayed in similar incidents elsewhere in the country.
Also speaking, Mrs Awwal Mohammed, said insecurity had crippled farming and commercial activities in the area, while convener of the protest, Abdulhammeed Abubakar, urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Responding on behalf of the council, Kaiama Local Government spokesperson, Suleiman Tanko, assured residents that the council chairman was working with the Kwara State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted persons.
