Kidnapped Kwara Construction Workers Freed After Weeks in Captivity

Seven construction workers abducted from a Kwara State Government road project in December have been released, state authorities confirmed on Monday.

The victims, who included two engineers from the state Ministry of Works, were kidnapped on December 15, 2025, while working on the Sabaja–Owa-Onire Road in Isin Local Government Area.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Works, Olajide Abolarin, said their freedom was secured through coordinated efforts between the state government and security agencies. The Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawy Olododo, described the release as a “major breakthrough” and praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his “strong political will in tackling insecurity.”

The abduction had triggered public outcry and anxiety among residents and the victims’ families. A spokesperson for the families, Dare Boyinbogun, had earlier revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N500 million, a sum they described as impossible to raise.

“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” Boyinbogun had stated, lamenting the emotional trauma endured by the families.

The commissioner acknowledged the dangers faced by personnel on public infrastructure projects and expressed gratitude to the governor and security agencies for their efforts. The workers’ release has brought a wave of relief to their families and the local community.