Young people in Kaiama Local Government Area have taken to the streets to protest the continued captivity of 176 women and children abducted from Woro community.
The demonstration, organised by the Kaiama Youths Advocacy Group, was held at the council secretariat and was triggered by a viral video showing some of the victims appealing for rescue. The footage has intensified public anger and concern across the area.
Speaking during the protest, the group criticised what it described as the failure of authorities to adequately protect citizens, noting that the prolonged detention of the victims highlights serious weaknesses in the security system.
They expressed concern over what they termed slow response, poor communication, and lack of visible progress in efforts to secure the victims’ release. According to them, the situation has left families feeling abandoned as they watch their loved ones plead for help.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by security agencies in tackling banditry, the group insisted that government assurances must translate into real and coordinated action. They urged both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts and deliver measurable results.
As part of their demands, the protesters called for immediate deployment of specialised rescue teams to Woro, regular public updates on rescue operations, and improved support for local vigilantes and intelligence gathering. They also recommended the establishment of rapid-response units in vulnerable communities.
In addition, the group emphasised the need for medical, psychological, and rehabilitation support for victims once freed, as well as long-term security measures such as permanent security posts and sustained patrols.
In a related protest in Ilorin, women staged a peaceful demonstration, carrying placards demanding urgent government action. They described the worsening insecurity in Kwara North as unbearable and warned against attempts to silence their voices for political reasons.
The protesters stressed that protecting lives should take precedence over politics, vowing to continue speaking out until lasting security is restored.
Meanwhile, tension in the area has deepened following the burial of five forest guards reportedly killed earlier the same day, highlighting the growing security challenges facing communities in the region.
