Kwara Community Leader Shares Horror of Abductees, Calls for Help for Orphaned Kids

The Kaiama community in Kwara State is asking the government for ongoing support to help those affected by the February 3 attack on Woro. This comes after 163 victims were freed after spending about six months in captivity.

Yakub Jaja, a retired permanent secretary in Kwara State and vice president of the Kaiama Development Association, made this appeal during an interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Ilorin on Saturday.

Mr Jaja expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, security agencies, and local vigilantes for their roles in getting the abductees back home.

He said the community felt relief when the victims returned alive after months of worry. But he highlighted that their release is just the start of another phase that needs strong government and community support.

He revealed that 176 people were taken during the attack, but 163 have returned so far.

Mr Jaja said the February 3 event left deep scars on Woro and nearby towns, damaging homes, businesses, and places of worship.

He mentioned that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment in various hospitals, including the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. Some of them are staying at the Nigerian Army’s Sobi Barracks.

The community leader shared that the victims are in different states of health. Some are physically and mentally okay, while others are in the intensive care unit and hospital wards.

He also talked about the difficult experiences the victims went through, saying some spent months in tough conditions during their captivity.

He shared that some women gave birth while they were held captive. In total, 11 children were born during that time, including twins. Sadly, six of the children died, and five made it back alive.

Mr Jaja added that some of the abductees were forced into relationships with the captors. Additionally, some youths aged 15 and above were reportedly made to join in their activities.

When asked if a ransom was paid for their release, he said he could not confirm that. "I cannot exactly say what transpired in that," he said about the release.

He recalled that the kidnappers initially asked for about N2 billion as ransom. The community tried to raise funds for negotiation.

When they struggled to collect the large amount, the community started to push for advocacy, protests, and talks with authorities.

Mr Jaja pointed out that poor road conditions are making security operations harder in the area.

He said the main roads connecting Kaiama to nearby towns are in bad shape, which delays security responses to emergencies.

Woro is about 40 kilometers from Kaiama town. The route to Nibusa, where army and air force bases are located, is also hard to travel on.

He urged the government to fix the roads in the area to help improve security and support economic activities.

Mr Jaja welcomed the federal government’s approval to set up a military base in Kaiama. He called this a significant step for better security in the region.

He believes having a permanent military base will help security agencies respond faster and give residents more confidence.

He also praised Governor AbdulRazaq for visiting some of the rescued victims at Sobi Barracks and the hospital.

According to him, the state government has promised to provide medical care for the victims.

But he insisted that government help should go beyond just medical treatment. It should include psychological support, housing, education, and economic help.

Mr Jaja noted that the attack has greatly impacted education and business in Woro and nearby communities.

He said some parents moved their children to Kaiama town and surrounding areas due to ongoing security fears.

He added that while businesses are slowly coming back, the recovery is not complete. Residents still leave their homes early because of safety concerns.

He mentioned that the state government has started some projects, like rebuilding shops and providing water facilities.

However, he stressed that more must be done to regain trust and allow displaced people to return home permanently.

Mr Jaja called on residents to accept the rescued victims without any discrimination or stigma.

He said many survivors will go back to communities where they lost parents, family, and homes, making reintegration tough.

"Some, their father had been killed. Some of their mother had been killed. And they are small children. They would like to see their parents. Unfortunately, they cannot see them," he said.

He asked for a coordinated rehabilitation program that includes the federal government, Kwara State Government, local authorities, traditional leaders, and community heads.

This program should cover healthcare, housing, education, mental support, and job opportunities.

Mr Jaja also urged security agencies to keep their presence in Woro and other vulnerable areas around Kainji Lake to avoid future incidents.

He believes the rescue of the abductees is not the end of the crisis but the start of a long journey of healing, rehabilitation, and rebuilding trust in the affected communities.