Kwara Senator Supports Woro Abduction Victims With Cash, Farm Equipment

The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, has provided fresh financial and livelihood support to victims of the Woro community abduction in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Umar, who visited the community on Wednesday, said the intervention was designed to help the victims and their families recover from the trauma of their captivity and rebuild their livelihoods.

The support included cash, a tractor, tricycles, fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, food items, wrappers, herbicides and pesticides.

The senator said the intervention was in fulfilment of a promise he made when he visited the victims at a hospital in Ilorin shortly after their release.

According to him, he had assured the victims that they would not be abandoned and that he would continue to support them as they recovered from the ordeal.

“I went there not only to express my solidarity, but to offer practical support to help them and their families begin the process of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” Umar said.

He added, “To the victims and their families, I want you to know that you are not alone. I share in your pain, I celebrate your safe return, and I remain committed to supporting your recovery.”

Umar said the responsibility of elected representatives extended beyond legislative duties, stressing that political leaders should also stand by their constituents during periods of crisis.

He said sustained intervention was necessary to restore hope, dignity and economic stability to families whose livelihoods had been disrupted by the abduction.

The latest intervention followed the abduction of 146 residents of Woro community during an attack on February 3. The victims were subsequently rescued on August 5 after spending months in captivity.

Following their rescue, the Kwara State Government placed the victims on a 21-day rehabilitation programme in Ilorin before they were reunited with their families.

At a ceremony held at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama to mark their return, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kwara State chapter, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, described the occasion as a significant milestone for Woro and the wider Kaiama community.

The state government had earlier announced financial assistance for the victims as part of its reintegration programme. Adults received N1 million each, youths N500,000 each, while children received N200,000 each.

Danladi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their roles in securing the victims' release and supporting their rehabilitation.

However, Senator Umar said the recovery process must not end with the victims' return home, stressing that continued economic and social support would be required to help affected families rebuild their lives.

“May God continue to protect the people of Woro, bring lasting peace and security to our communities, and heal the wounds caused by this painful experience,” he said.