Two site engineers from the Kwara State Ministry of Works, who were abducted alongside five staff of a construction company, have regained their freedom, even as about 1,000 residents of Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area fled to Ilorin following a terrorist attack.
The engineers and five other workers were kidnapped a few weeks ago by suspected terrorists at Owa Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Since the abduction, the Kwara State Government had been working to secure the release of the victims amid growing concern over their safety and wellbeing.
Confirming their release in a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Works, Engineer Abduquawiy Olododo, said all seven victims were freed unharmed.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership and sustained efforts, which he said contributed significantly to the safe release of the abducted workers.
The commissioner also praised security agencies and stakeholders who stood firmly with the government during what he described as a difficult period, while urging security forces to intensify efforts to rid the state of banditry and terrorism.
Meanwhile, insecurity has forced about 1,000 residents of Koro town in Ekiti Local Government Area to flee their homes following a terrorist attack last Sunday.
During the incident, one person was reportedly killed during a sporadic exchange of gunfire between suspected terrorists and forest guards in the community.
Following the attack, security agencies were deployed to the area to protect lives and property. However, THISDAY checks revealed that many residents had already fled the town to avoid further violence.
Some of the displaced residents were said to be taking refuge with relatives and friends in Ilorin.
One of the displaced persons, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the trauma experienced during the attack forced her to leave the community.
“I am currently staying with a relative in Ilorin. I cannot go through that kind of experience again,” she said, adding that many others had also fled the town due to fear and uncertainty.
She called on the federal and state governments to take decisive action to address insecurity and restore peace to affected communities.
By Hammed Shittu, Ilorin
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