Act now to free 176 Kwara abductees, NDC tells AbdulRazaq

The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to take urgent and decisive action to secure the release of the 176 women and children abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Monday by its State Publicity Secretary, Ibraheem Gbagba, the opposition party said the victims had remained in captivity for about 158 days.

It described the prolonged captivity of the abductees as a humanitarian tragedy that has subjected their families to untold emotional and psychological suffering.

The party expressed deep concern over the plight of the victims and their relatives, stressing that every passing day has worsened the anguish of families anxiously awaiting their safe return.

The statement partly read, “We express our deep concern over the prolonged abduction of our people in Kaiama Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for about 158 days.

“The pains, tears, and sufferings of the affected families have become unbearable. Every passing day increases the trauma of mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, and loved ones who continue to pray and wait for the safe return of their family members.”

The NDC commended the recent rescue of abducted victims in Oyo State, attributing the success to coordinated efforts by the state government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.

The party said the development demonstrated that determined leadership, effective collaboration and intelligence-driven operations could produce positive outcomes in kidnapping cases.

“We commend the efforts of the Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders, and all stakeholders whose coordinated actions recently led to the successful release of abducted victims in Oyo State,” it stated.

“Their commitment demonstrates that with determination, collaboration, intelligence gathering, and political will, lives can be saved and families reunited.”

Drawing parallels with the Oyo operation, the opposition party urged the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to rescue the Kaiama abductees.

“We therefore respectfully appeal to the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to urgently take more proactive and decisive steps toward securing the freedom of the Kaiama abductees,” the statement said.

As part of its recommendations, the NDC called on the state government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and intensify rescue operations in the affected areas.

The party also advocated the establishment of a high-level intervention and negotiation team dedicated to facilitating the safe return of the victims, while urging authorities to involve traditional rulers, community leaders and local vigilante groups in intelligence gathering.

Additionally, it recommended that the government provide regular updates to families and the public on rescue efforts, increase the security presence in vulnerable communities across Kaiama and other parts of Kwara North, and establish emergency support mechanisms for families facing emotional and economic hardship.

“The safety and protection of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government. The people of Kwara State deserve urgent action, hope, and results,” the party said.

The NDC further appealed to residents, civil society organisations, religious leaders and community stakeholders to unite in demanding the safe return of the abductees.

“We call on all well-meaning Kwarans, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to unite in demanding the safe return of our abducted brothers and sisters. Enough of the tears. Enough of the waiting. Bring back our families,” the party added.