A prominent Islamic scholar and academic, Dr. Haruna Sanusi Lafiagi, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the rescue of the 176 women and children abducted from Woro and surrounding communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Islamic cleric made the appeal in a Facebook post on Friday, July 10, 2026, following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.

Dr. Lafiagi congratulated the Federal Government and Nigeria’s security agencies on securing the freedom of the Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers, describing the development as heartwarming.

He, however, urged the President not to forget the victims of the February 2026 attacks on Woro and other communities in Kwara North, insisting that they deserve the same level of attention and rescue efforts.

“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR

“I join millions of well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers. As we wait to hear the details of what truly transpired, and what price the government or the abductors paid for this rescue mission, please, sir, I want to remind you of the Woro 176 women and children who have been in captivity since February, as well as other kidnap victims from Kwara North. They equally deserve to be rescued and reunited with their families and loved ones. We can’t afford to have Chibok/Dapchi 2.0.

Thank you, sir

Sanusi Lafiagi PhD,” he wrote.

Dr. Lafiagi’s appeal comes months after suspected Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits invaded Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, leaving scores of residents dead and abducting hundreds, mostly women and children.

The February 3 attack claimed the lives of dozens of residents, with community leaders putting the death toll at over 160.

The attackers also razed homes and businesses before fleeing with their captives into the forest. Days later, the terrorists released a video showing 176 abducted women and children, sparking widespread outrage and calls for urgent government intervention.

Following the attacks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the killings, while President Tinubu directed the deployment of additional military personnel to strengthen security operations in the affected communities.