Kaduna Governor Assures Kurmin Wali Residents of Return of Abducted Worshippers
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has assured residents of Kurmin Wali community that all those abducted during Sunday’s attack will soon be reunited with their families.
Gunmen attacked three churches in the community on Sunday, abducting about 167 worshippers.
Speaking during a visit to the area, Sani said the state government was working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
“We have been collaborating in the last two days with relevant security agencies — the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser — to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people abducted in this very important community,” he said.
The governor said the number of people abducted was not the issue, stressing that the government had a responsibility to protect lives and property, whether one person or many were affected.
He criticised efforts to politicise the attack or focus on figures, describing such actions as inappropriate.
“We should not be talking about numbers or politics. We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here,” Sani said.
“And that is the reason why we will go to any length, collaborating with the security agencies, to ensure the quick return of our people here in Kurmin Wali.”
Sani also announced that the state government would pay the medical bills of those injured in the attack.
He said he would engage the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, on the establishment of a military base in the community, citing its proximity to banditry hotspots such as Rijana town.
According to the governor, while the military has strengthened security along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, bandits have moved into hinterland communities, leaving places like Kurmin Wali increasingly vulnerable.
He added that his administration was committed to constructing an access road linking the community to the highway, directing the commissioner for public works to assess the project.
“We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna state,” the governor said.
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