Kwara attack survivors appeal for release of abducted wives, children
Communities in Kwara State Plead for Release of Abducted Family Members
Survivors of the recent terrorist attacks in Worro and Nukku communities within the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are calling on their abductors to free their wives and children as the Ramadan fasting period approaches.
Residents voiced their concerns during a visit on Sunday by Senator Sadiq Umar, who represents Kwara North Senatorial District. They expressed a dire need for support at home, particularly with preparation for the fasting month, following the abduction of numerous women.
“We are appealing to both the government and the attackers to release our wives and children in the spirit of Ramadan,” one survivor stated.
The villagers reported that the assailants killed over 170 individuals and abducted more than 100 others, primarily women and children. Since the attacks, no ransom demands have been made by those responsible.
Many families impacted by the violence have yet to rebuild their homes, with some currently residing with relatives or seeking shelter outside the area. Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, the village head of Worro, noted a critical lack of basic infrastructure, particularly clean drinking water, due to the destruction of electrical facilities.
“There has been no water since electricity was destroyed. Without power, we cannot pump water,” Salihu explained. He added that a generator donated by the senator was being used to facilitate water access. Following recent burials, residents traveled over an hour on a poor road to secure water supplies.
The village head emphasized ongoing insecurity as the community’s greatest challenge, reporting that many residents have fled. “There are limited people left in the community. Many have relocated. The only thing that will make people return is adequate security. Even those still here may leave at any time,” he warned.
The damage to the village head’s palace, typically used for meetings, forced residents to gather under a tree for the senator’s visit.
Senator Sadiq Umar toured the affected areas to assess the destruction and visited a mass gravesite where more than 150 victims were reportedly buried. He led prayers for the deceased and assured residents that efforts are underway to restore peace and rebuild the communities. He also called on the Federal Government to urgently improve road infrastructure in the area.
“Due to the poor condition of the roads, help may arrive too late after hoodlums have caused additional damage,” Umar remarked. He proposed that converting parts of the Kainji National Park into an agro-industrial zone could serve as a long-term strategy to combat banditry.
As part of immediate assistance, Senator Umar distributed palliatives and cash support to victims, urging residents to remain hopeful and cooperative with security agencies to provide timely intelligence to safeguard lives and property.
