From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Tears of joy and jubilation swept through Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara on Friday, as 146 survivors of the community’s kidnapped victims were reunited with their families after weeks of rehabilitation.
The Kwara Government, also offered financial assistance to the survivors as part of measures to help them rebuild their lives following the trauma of spending months in captivity.
While each adult received N1 million, youths were given N500,000 each, while children received N200,000 each.
Related News
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area and Kwara State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, disclosed this during a ceremony held at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama to mark the return of the victims.
Danladi described the occasion as a memorable moment for Woro and the entire Kaiama community, while commending President Bola Tinubu and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom and supporting their recovery.
He said the 146 survivors were kept in Ilorin for 21 days for rehabilitation before being returned to their families, while three others remained in hospital for further treatment.
“We want to specially thank Gov. AbdulRazaq for the cash support. Adults received N1 million each, middle-aged youths received N500,000, while children received N200,000 each to support them to start again and settle well,” Danladi said.
He urged residents to rally around the survivors, stressing that sustained community support would be necessary to help them overcome the psychological impact of their ordeal.
Danladi also called for greater community involvement in security, urging residents, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to promptly report suspicious persons and movements to security agencies.
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Saliu, described the return of the victims as “good news” for the community and appealed for continued support to enable them regain their mental and emotional strength.
Saliu also commended the state government for commencing the reconstruction of shops destroyed during the attack, saying the initiative would help restore commercial activities in the community.
He, however, appealed for intervention for farmers who fled Woro following repeated attacks.
“Agriculture is our mainstay. Our farmers have lost everything. The government should please support them with assistance to start again,” he said.
The Chairman of the Woro Community Intervention Committee, Mr Ahmed Ibn Ahmed, disclosed that 13 people were still in captivity and appealed to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
He said more than N80 million had so far been distributed as financial assistance to the rescued victims.
Ahmed also called for improved security around Woro and neighbouring communities, particularly those bordering the national park, which he said was being exploited by criminals.
He further appealed for the restoration of electricity supply to Woro and other affected communities.
For some of the survivors, the financial support offered a chance to rebuild businesses and return to normal life.
Mariam Ayuba, one of the rescued victims, expressed gratitude for her freedom and said she planned to use the money to revive her salon business, which had suffered during her absence.
Another survivor, Amira Saliu, said she was overwhelmed with joy at being reunited with her family and friends after six months in captivity.
“I can’t express my feelings. I am so happy that I have lost words. I thank Almighty Allah for my safety and the governor for the support.
“I will use the money wisely and plan myself. I will try to forget the experience and move on with my life,” she said.
Residents of Woro and Kaiama turned out in large numbers to welcome the survivors, with dancing, drumming and celebrations marking their homecoming.
The emotional reunion saw families embrace their loved ones, with several residents shedding tears of joy after months of uncertainty.
Woro was attacked on Feb. 3, 2026, with 176 people reportedly abducted. The victims were subsequently rescued on Aug. 5, 2026.
