By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Residents of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara have staged a peaceful protest, demanding the release of 176 residents of Woro community who have remained in captivity for 171 days.
The protesters, who turned out in large numbers, expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the prolonged silence on efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Speaking during the protest, the President of the Kaiama Development Association, Alhaji Salihu Yakubu, said the abductees had remained in captivity since February 3 without any official update on their rescue.
Yakubu alleged that more than 300 people lost their lives during the attack on Woro community, while 176 others, comprising women, children and men, were abducted.
He lamented the absence of government presence in the area, saying residents have been neglected for too long.
“Woro community was attacked in February and 176 people were taken away. There has been no update on their whereabouts.
“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,” he said.
On his part, the Village Head of Woro community, Alhaji Umar Bio-Salihu, said the community was yet to recover from the trauma of the attack.
He added that other communities, including Nuku, Tenebo, Kemaanji and Maje, had also come under attacks by suspected bandits.
“Since the attack on Woro community, other communities in Kaiama have continued to experience attacks. Our people are living in fear.
“The government acted swiftly in similar incidents in other parts of the country. We appeal for the same commitment to securing the release of our people.
“We are Nigerians. Please rescue our people and reunite them with their families,”
One of the protesters, Awwau Mohammed, said insecurity had crippled economic activities in the area, preventing residents from accessing farms and markets.
She expressed concern that the prolonged captivity of the victims had left the community feeling abandoned.
In his response, the spokesperson for Kaiama Local Government, Suleiman Tanko, assured residents that the council chairman and the Kwara State Government were working to secure the victims’ release.
The Convener of the protest, Mr Abdulhameed Abubakar, described the demonstration as a wake-up call to the authorities.
“Our people deserve urgent attention. We urge the government to intensify efforts to rescue them and reunite them with their families,” he said.
