Seven Kwara Construction Workers Freed After Weeks in Captivity

 

Seven construction workers abducted from a Kwara State Government road project have regained their freedom after several weeks in captivity, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The victims were kidnapped on December 15, 2025, while working on the Sabaja–Owa-Onire Road in Isin Local Government Area, an incident that drew widespread concern among residents and families of the workers.

In a statement, Olajide Abolarin, Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Works, said that the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abdulquawy Olododo, confirmed the release. He attributed the successful rescue to the coordinated efforts of the state government and security agencies.

Commissioner Olododo described the development as a major boost for public safety, commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his firm commitment to tackling insecurity. He also revealed that two of the abducted workers were engineers employed by the Ministry of Works, emphasizing the dangers 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,” the commissioner said.

The abduction had earlier stirred public outcry after families of the victims alleged slow rescue efforts. The kidnappers were reported to have demanded a ransom of N500 million, leaving families in fear and distress.

Speaking to journalists on December 29, 2025, the families’ spokesperson, Dare Boyinbogun, said:

“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair. They demanded the sum of N500 million from us. How are we going to raise that?” He described the victims as ordinary workers contributing to the development of Kwara State and lamented the emotional and financial strain endured by their families during the period of captivity.

The safe release of the workers has brought relief and renewed hope to the families, as the state government and security agencies intensify efforts to safeguard citizens and workers across the state.