Kwara: CSOs Demand Immediate Release of 176 Abducted victims

Civil society organisations in Kwara State have demanded the immediate release of 176 women and children allegedly held captive by kidnappers in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. The groups, under the umbrella of Kwara State Civil Society Organisations, described the situation as a grave security emergency. They claimed […]

Civil society organisations in Kwara State have demanded the immediate release of 176 women and children allegedly held captive by kidnappers in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The groups, under the umbrella of Kwara State Civil Society Organisations, described the situation as a grave security emergency.

They claimed that more than 200 persons were reported dead in recent attacks on the affected communities.

Daily Trust reports that the development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara North, particularly in border communities vulnerable to armed attacks and abductions.

In a release in Ilọrin and signed by Musa Aliyu of the Media Advocacy and Technologies Centre on behalf of 16 other organisations, the CSOs expressed concern over “a worsening security situation in parts of the state”.

They alleged that the abducted women and children had spent over 15 days in captivity and were recently paraded by their captors under deplorable conditions.

The statement condemned the “exposure of poorly fed and barely clothed children to harsh weather conditions”.

The called the development “grossly condemnable and highly unacceptable.”

Citing Section 14 subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, the organisations urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action.

“Governments at all levels should ensure everything is done to protect citizens wherever they dwell. The people of Woro and Nuku deserve urgent attention,” the statement read.

In their four key demands, they called on the Kwara State Government to “wake up to its responsibilities” and deploy all necessary machinery to secure the release of the abducted women and children.

They demanded that those responsible for “a crime against humanity be apprehended and prosecuted and urged the government to establish a stronger security presence in Woro and Nuku communities to prevent further attacks.

The group insisted on comprehensive and sustainable rehabilitation measures for survivors, stating that relief efforts must go beyond temporary palliatives.

“The Woro and Nuku people deserve a right to their freedom,” the groups declared.

They added that they would not remain silent until the kidnapped victims are freed, urging the state government to act with urgency.