Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for the successful rescue of 163 women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who received the rescued victims in Ilorin on Friday, said the development was a major relief after months of anguish for the victims, their families and the entire Woro community.
However, 46 of the rescued victims, are still receiving medical attention at a health facility as part of efforts to ensure their physical and psychological recovery.
AbdulRazaq, who described the abduction as a “sad and regrettable” incident, said the successful rescue of the victims alive showed that the combined efforts of the government and security agencies to restore peace in the state were yielding results.
“This is one gathering that is filled with mixed feelings.
“It is regrettable that the whole incident happened at all, but at the same time, we are grateful to God that our collective efforts have paid off. Everyone has been rescued alive,” he said.
The governor said his administration had directed that all the victims receive appropriate medical attention and other necessary support to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into their communities.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for responding promptly to requests for additional security measures in Kwara, saying the Federal Government’s interventions had demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
“On behalf of the people of Kwara State, I extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We are truly grateful to him because he has paid special attention to Kwara,” AbdulRazaq said.
“Each time I went to him to seek his assistance, he swiftly responded.
“From Mr President’s actions, you have seen there is total seriousness to protect Kwara and Nigeria.”
According to the governor, the Federal Government’s renewed security measures would provide a stronger shield against terrorists and other criminal elements operating in parts of the state.
He disclosed that his administration’s repeated engagements with the President over insecurity had contributed to the establishment of Operation Savannah Shield, the recruitment of 2,600 forest guards and the deployment of additional military formations to Kwara.
He said the state had also received additional military reinforcement, including four battalions and one regiment of artillery, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.
AbdulRazaq assured residents that the government would continue to deploy available resources towards safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, described the return of the abductees as a moment of joy and relief for the people of Woro.
Danladi thanked the governor for what he described as his tireless efforts towards securing the release of the victims and strengthening security across the local government.
“We thank our vibrant security agencies who are equally happy today to see that our people are rescued. We pray that we will not witness this kind of incident in our communities in Kwara again,” he said.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umaru, also commended AbdulRazaq for standing by the community throughout the period of captivity and for supporting efforts that culminated in the victims’ rescue.
The traditional ruler expressed optimism that the strengthening of military presence in the state would prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
The governor received the victims alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume; Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi; State Director of the Department of State Services, Michael Oganwu; the Kaiama council chairman and the Emir of Kaiama.
The return of the Woro victims brings renewed hope to families and residents who had endured months of uncertainty, while the increased security presence signals a tougher phase in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping in Kwara.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
