The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intensify efforts to secure the release of 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, describing their prolonged ordeal as a humanitarian tragedy.
The party said the continued detention of the abductees had subjected their families to immense emotional and psychological distress, with each passing day deepening their pain.
The NDC commended the recent rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, saying the operation demonstrated that coordinated action, intelligence gathering and political will could yield positive results in tackling kidnapping.
Drawing lessons from the Oyo rescue operation, the NDC called on the Kwara State Government to adopt a more proactive approach to securing the release of the Kaiama abductees.
It urged the state government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, intensify rescue operations and establish a high-level intervention and negotiation team to facilitate the victims’ safe return.
The party also called for greater involvement of traditional rulers, community leaders and local vigilante groups in intelligence gathering, while recommending increased security presence in vulnerable communities across Kaiama and other parts of Kwara North.
In addition, it urged the government to provide regular updates on rescue efforts and establish emergency support measures for families affected by the abductions.
The NDC further appealed to residents, civil society organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders to unite in demanding the immediate release of the abductees.
“Enough of the tears. Enough of the waiting. Bring back our families,” the party said.