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From Kenneth Udeh, Illorin
Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, has offered fresh relief and livelihood support to victims of the Woro community abduction in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives after weeks in captivity.
Umar, who visited the community on Wednesday, said the intervention was aimed at helping the victims and their families recover from the trauma of the ordeal and restore their livelihoods.
Among the items presented to the community were cash, a tractor, tricycles, fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, food items, wrappers, herbicides and pesticides.
The senator said the intervention was a fulfilment of a commitment he made when he visited the victims at a hospital in Ilorin shortly after their release.
He said he had assured the victims at the time that they would not be abandoned, adding that the latest intervention was part of his determination to keep that promise.
“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.”
The senator stressed that his responsibility went beyond legislative representation, noting that elected representatives must also stand with their constituents during periods of crisis and help restore hope, dignity and sustainable livelihoods.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of the abduction of 146 residents of Woro community, who were reportedly taken captive during an attack on February 3 and later rescued on August 5.
Following their rescue, the Kwara State Government kept the victims in a 21-day rehabilitation programme in Ilorin before reuniting them 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 development as a memorable occasion for Woro and the entire Kaiama community.
The state government also provided financial assistance to the victims, with adults receiving N1 million each, youths N500,000 each and children N200,000 each to support their reintegration and recovery.
Danladi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their efforts towards securing the victims’ release and supporting their rehabilitation.
For Senator Umar, however, the recovery effort must go beyond reuniting the victims with their families.
He said sustained support was necessary to enable the affected families to regain economic stability and rebuild their livelihoods after the devastating experience.
“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,” the senator said.
