Kwara-Woro freed victims arrive Ilorin; children already enlisted in bandits army, says lawmaker

The victims abducted during the deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived in Ilorin following their rescue after spending several months in captivity.

They reportedly arrived late last night.

They were received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin before being moved to an undisclosed location where they spent the night.

The victims were kidnapped when armed bandits invaded the community February this year, killing scores of residents and whisking away many others into the forest, triggering widespread outrage and intensified security operations.

Following sustained military operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, the victims regained their freedom and were transported from Niger State to Ilorin late Thursday night.

The rescued victims are expected to be officially handed over to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently engaged security authorities to ensure their safe return.

Their arrival marks a major breakthrough in the months-long efforts to secure the release of the abductees, while authorities continue to verify the number of those rescued and provide necessary care and support.

Meanwhile Lawmaker representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena state constituency of Kaiama local government in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed,has said that some children among the 176 people kidnapped in Woro and Nukku communities of the Kaiama local government area of Kwara state on February 3, 2026 have been enlisted into the abductors’ army.

He said this on Friday on the BBC Hausa service, monitored in Ilorin,  adding that number of the rescued kidnap victims are not up to number of 176 people abducted.

According to him, about 25 persons among the kidnapped persons are still missing, stressing that some are dead and buried by the abductees themselves.

He said the remaining who are within the age of 13 years and above have been enlisted into the bandits’ army, “as explained by those who had returned home”.

Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed said that those rescued arrived in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, safe and are receiving medical attention.

He said the state government is taking care of them to ascertain their state of health before  reuniting them with their families.

The lawmaker commended the state and the federal governments for their efforts in ensuring that the abductees return home safely.