The traditional ruler of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Umar Salihu, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of residents of the community who have remained in kidnappers’ captivity for 174 days.
Alhaji Salihu made the appeal on Friday while addressing a peaceful protest organised by Concerned Kaiama Youths to demand the rescue of victims abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community.
The monarch, who joined the protest in solidarity with victims’ families, is himself among those worst affected by the attack.
During the invasion, his residence and other properties were set ablaze, some of his children were killed, while his wives and children were abducted alongside several other residents of the community.
Speaking with deep emotion, the traditional ruler questioned whether Woro people were not part of Nigeria, lamenting what he described as the prolonged silence over the plight of the abducted residents despite months of appeals for intervention.
He said every additional day in captivity compounds the pain of affected families, adding that relatives of the victims troop to his residence almost daily in tears, seeking answers about when their loved ones will return home.
According to him, the community has continued to endure untold psychological trauma, with many families left without hope as they anxiously await the return of those still in captivity.
While expressing appreciation for previous efforts by security agencies, the monarch appealed to the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations and ensure that every abducted resident is reunited with their families without further delay.
