Seven construction workers abducted from a Kwara State Government road project in Isin Local Government Area have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity, the state government has confirmed.
The workers were kidnapped on December 15, 2025, while working on the Sabaja–Owa–Onire Road, triggering widespread concern among residents and the victims’ families.
The Press Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Mr. Olajide Abolarin, confirmed their release in a statement on Monday, quoting the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Abdulquawy Olododo, as saying the victims were freed through joint efforts by the state government and security agencies.
Olododo described the development as a boost to the state’s security drive and commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for demonstrating strong political will in tackling insecurity.
“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.
He disclosed that two of the abducted workers were engineers in the employment of the Kwara State Ministry of Works, noting that the incident underscored the risks faced by personnel engaged in public infrastructure projects.
The abduction had earlier drawn public attention after families of the victims raised concerns over the pace of rescue efforts, alleging that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N500 million.
Speaking earlier, a spokesperson for the families, Mr. Dare Boyinbogun, had said the gunmen invaded the construction site around 11:40 a.m. on the day of the incident and abducted several workers and their driver.
“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair. They demanded the sum of N500 million from us,” he said at the time.
The families had appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, an appeal that has now been met with relief following the safe return of the abducted workers.
