Kwara construction workers freed after three months in captivity

2026-02-09 - 14:59

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin Seven Kwara State government construction workers have regained their freedom after being held captive for about three months following their abduction at a construction site in Isin Local Government Area. The workers were kidnapped along the Sabaja–Owa-Onire Road while carrying out state infrastructure projects, an incident that sparked widespread concern among families and residents. Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N500 million, though it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid or if any arrests have been made. Confirming the release on Monday, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Olajide Abolarin, said the freed workers were safely recovered through coordinated efforts by the state government and security agencies. He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his political will in confronting insecurity and described the development as a boost to public safety in the state. Two of the abducted workers were engineers employed by the Kwara State Ministry of Works, highlighting the risks faced by personnel involved in public infrastructure projects. “We are grateful to His Excellency and to the security agencies. We also appreciate everyone who stood by us in these trying times,” Abolarin said. Families of the victims had earlier raised alarms over the slow pace of rescue efforts, describing the ordeal as a period of “fear, hunger, and emotional distress.” Mr. Dare Boyinbogun, a family spokesperson, had appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify operations to secure the workers’ release, a plea now met with relief following their safe return.