The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has commended the Oyo State Government for the rescue of 49 abducted schoolchildren and teachers, while criticising the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the continued captivity of residents abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the opposition party said the successful rescue operation in Oyo demonstrated the importance of sustained government commitment, public engagement and collaboration with security agencies.
The PDP noted that the rescue of the abductees followed months of advocacy, media attention and public pressure, which it said were met with what it described as responsive leadership from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to the party, Makinde treated public concerns as a call for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release and maintained active engagement with stakeholders throughout the period of uncertainty.
The Kwara PDP contrasted the development with the situation in Woro community, where it said 179 residents abducted during a deadly attack on February 3, 2026, remain in captivity more than five months later.
The party recalled that the attack reportedly claimed nearly 200 lives and left many residents displaced, while several victims, including women and children, were taken away by the attackers.
It accused the Kwara State Government of failing to demonstrate sufficient urgency in addressing the plight of the abducted residents and argued that many affected communities now feel neglected.
“While Oyo residents are celebrating the safe return of their loved ones, many families in Kwara continue to wait anxiously for news about relatives who remain in captivity,” the statement said.
The opposition party further argued that the successful operation in Oyo reflected effective collaboration between the state government, federal authorities and security agencies, and called for a similar level of commitment toward securing the release of the Woro victims.
The PDP also criticised the handling of public protests related to the abductions, alleging that peaceful demonstrators, including elderly women seeking government intervention, were harassed during protests outside the Government House in Ilorin.
It contrasted this with what it described as direct engagement by Governor Makinde with protesters in Oyo State, where demonstrators were reportedly briefed on ongoing efforts to secure the release of abducted persons.
The party commended residents of Oyo State, media organisations, civil society groups and advocacy movements for sustaining public attention on the plight of the abductees until their eventual rescue.
It urged Governor AbdulRazaq to view the Oyo rescue operation as a reminder of the need for renewed efforts to secure the release of those still being held by kidnappers in Kwara State.
The PDP also called on journalists, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders to continue advocating for accountability and sustained action until all abducted residents are safely reunited with their families.
The statement maintained that addressing insecurity and protecting vulnerable communities should remain a top priority for all levels of government.
Kwara PDP Criticises AbdulRazaq Over Continued Captivity of Woro Kidnap Victims
