Victims abducted during the February attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have arrived in Ilorin after regaining their freedom following months in captivity.
The rescued victims arrived late Thursday and were first received at the Nigerian Army's 2 Division, Sobi Barracks, before being moved to a secure location where they spent the night.
The victims were kidnapped when armed men attacked Woro community in February, killing several residents and taking many others into the forest. The incident sparked widespread concern and prompted security agencies to launch operations to secure their release.
Their freedom followed months of coordinated military operations involving security forces. The victims were transported from neighbouring Niger State to Ilorin after they were rescued.
The Kwara State Government is expected to formally receive the victims, while authorities continue to verify the total number of those rescued and provide medical care and other support before they are reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency, Saidu Baba-Ahmed, said not all of the 176 people abducted during the attacks on Woro and Nukku communities had returned home.
Speaking during a BBC Hausa programme monitored in Ilorin on Friday, the lawmaker said about 25 of the abducted victims were still missing. According to him, some had died while in captivity and were buried there.
He also said that children aged 13 and above who remained with the abductors had reportedly been recruited into the bandits' ranks, based on accounts from those who returned.
Baba-Ahmed added that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention under the care of the Kwara State Government to assess their health before reuniting them with their families.
He commended both the federal and Kwara State governments, as well as security agencies, for their efforts in securing the release of the abductees.
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