Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has assured residents of Kurmin Wali that the people abducted during Sunday’s attack on the community will soon be reunited with their families.
Gatekeepers News reports that on that day, gunmen stormed three local churches and kidnapped about 162 worshippers.
During a visit to the community, Sani said the state government is actively collaborating with security agencies, including the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to ensure the safe recovery of those taken.
“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 emphasised that the number of people affected should not distract from the priority of safeguarding human life.
“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 for the medical treatment of those injured during the attack. He said he would liaise with Christopher Musa, the minister of defence, to set up a military base in Kurmin Wali, which lies near bandit-prone areas such as Rijana town.
While the military has secured Kaduna-Abuja expressway, he noted that bandits have moved to more remote locations, putting communities like Kurmin Wali at risk.
To improve safety and accessibility, Sani added that his administration plans to construct a road linking the community to the highway and has directed the commissioner for public works to assess the site.
The Governor said, “We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna state.”
