Rescued Woro abductees arrive in Ilorin as Lawmaker says some children were recruited by bandits

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.

The rescued victims reportedly arrived in the Kwara State capital late Thursday and were first received at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division Headquarters, Sobi Barracks, before being moved to an undisclosed location, where they spent the night.

The victims were kidnapped on February 3, 2026, when armed bandits invaded Woro and neighbouring Nukku community, killing several residents and abducting scores of women and children in one of the state’s deadliest attacks.

Their release followed sustained military operations and coordinated efforts by security agencies, which facilitated their movement from Niger State to Ilorin.

The rescued victims are expected to be formally presented to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently engaged security agencies and other stakeholders to secure their freedom.

Authorities are also expected to verify the exact number of those rescued while providing medical care, psychological support and other assistance before they are reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Saidu Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that not all of the 176 people abducted during the attack have regained their freedom.

Speaking on BBC Hausa on Friday, the lawmaker said about 25 of the victims remain unaccounted for.

According to him, some of the abductees died while in captivity and were buried by fellow captives.

Baba-Ahmed also alleged that some children aged 13 years and above were forcibly recruited into the ranks of the bandits.

“The victims who returned explained that some of those within the age of 13 years and above have been enlisted into the bandits’ army,” he said.

The lawmaker added that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention in Ilorin as part of efforts by the state government to assess their health and prepare them for reunification with their families.

He commended both the Kwara State and Federal Governments, as well as security agencies, for their efforts in securing the release of the abductees and facilitating their safe return.