The Kaiama community in Kwara State has called for sustained government support to rehabilitate and reintegrate victims of the February 3 attack on Woro community.
The call for support came following the release of 163 abductees after about six months in captivity.
The Vice President of the Kaiama Development Association, Dr Yakub Umar Jaja, who spoke in an interview in Ilorin expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, security agencies and local vigilantes for their efforts towards securing the release of the abductees.
According to him, 176 persons were initially abducted during the attack, while 163 had so far returned.
He said the victims were receiving medical attention at different facilities, including the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, while some were being accommodated at Sobi Barracks.
Jaja said the victims were in varying conditions, with some physically and mentally stable, while others were receiving treatment in hospital wards and the intensive care unit.
The community leader also recounted some of the experiences shared by the victims, saying some had spent months under difficult conditions in captivity.
He disclosed that some women who were already pregnant when they were abducted gave birth during their captivity.
According to him, 11 children were reportedly born during the period, including a set of twins, while six died and five were brought back alive.
Jaja also alleged that some abductees were forced into relationships with members of the criminal group, while some persons aged 15 and above were allegedly incorporated into their activities.
He welcomed the Nigerian Government’s reported approval of a military base in Kaiama, saying a permanent military formation would strengthen security operations and boost residents’ confidence.
Jaja commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for visiting some of the rescued victims and said the state government had pledged to provide medical care.
However, he stressed that government intervention should extend to psychological support, accommodation, education and economic assistance.
He therefore called for a coordinated rehabilitation programme involving the Federal and state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders.
He also urged security agencies to sustain their presence in Woro and other vulnerable communities around the Kainji Lake area to prevent a recurrence.
