Kwara abductees regain freedom months after armed extremists attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The Kwara State Government announced the development on Wednesday through a post on its official Facebook page.
The government praised President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and others involved in securing the victims’ freedom.
“Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” it stated.
Details of release remain unclear
The government did not explain how the Kwara abductees regained freedom or disclose whether security forces rescued them or their captors released them.
It also provided no information about their health, identities or where they were received after leaving captivity.
The victims had remained in captivity since armed attackers invaded Woro and neighbouring Nuku on February 3, 2026.
The assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles and launched a coordinated assault that continued for several hours.
Scores of people were killed, while homes, shops and other properties were destroyed. The violence also forced many residents to flee the affected communities.
Local vigilantes who attempted to confront the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed. Some were allegedly trapped and killed when the assailants set their office on fire.
Number of abductees previously disputed
Residents and community leaders had maintained that about 176 people, mainly women and children, were abducted during the attack.
However, the Kwara State Police Command recently said it could not officially confirm the figure.
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the number did not originate from any recognised security agency. He nevertheless confirmed that several residents were taken and that efforts were underway to secure their freedom.
The state government’s latest announcement did not address the disagreement surrounding the number of victims.
Further details about the circumstances of their freedom and whether everyone reported missing has returned were still being awaited.
