The Kwara State Government has reunited 146 victims of the Woro community kidnapping with their families after 21 days of rehabilitation.
The victims were rescued earlier this month after being abducted during an attack on Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area.
At a ceremony held at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, the chairman of Kaiama Local Government and Kwara State chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, said the victims had spent 21 days undergoing rehabilitation in Ilorin.
He said three other victims remained in hospital receiving treatment.
“We want to specially thank Gov. AbdulRazaq for the cash support,” Mr Danladi said.
“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.”
The government distributed more than N80m among the rescued victims, according to the chairman of the Government-Woro Community Intervention Committee, Ahmed Ibn Ahmed.
Mr Danladi praised President Bola Tinubu and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their efforts in securing the victims’ release and supporting their rehabilitation.
He urged residents to support the victims as they recover from the trauma of their ordeal.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility,” he said, calling on residents, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to report suspicious people and movements to security agencies.
Community seeks more support
The village head of Woro, Umar Saliu, described the victims’ return as “good news” for the community and appealed for sustained support to help them overcome the psychological effects of the kidnapping.
He also praised the state government for beginning the reconstruction of shops destroyed during the attack.
Mr Saliu urged the government to assist farmers who fled Woro because of repeated attacks.
“Agriculture is our mainstay. Our farmers have lost everything. The government should please support them with assistance to start again,” he said.
Mr Ahmed, however, said 13 people were still being held by kidnappers and called for intensified efforts to secure their release.
He also urged the government to strengthen security in communities bordering the national park, which he said criminals were exploiting as a hideout.
Victims return to normal life
One of the rescued victims, Mariam Ayuba, said she planned to use the financial support to revive her salon business.
Another victim, Amira Saliu, said she was happy to be reunited with her family after spending six months in captivity.
“I can’t express my feelings. I am so happy that I have lost words,” she said.
“I will use the money wisely and plan myself. I will try to forget the experience and move on with my life.”
Residents gathered in large numbers to welcome the victims, with dancing, drumming and celebrations at the event.
Families embraced their loved ones, with many shedding tears of joy as the victims returned home.
