Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has formally received worshippers who were freed following a mass abduction in Kurmin Wali, correcting earlier figures and detailing how security forces accounted for every victim taken during the January attack.
Speaking at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, the governor said 183 worshippers were abducted from three churches on January 18, revising earlier reports that placed the number at 177. He explained that the updated figure emerged after a comprehensive reconciliation of reports from security agencies, community leaders, and survivors.
How the Abduction Unfolded and Victims Were Accounted For
Governor Sani said that during the attack, 11 worshippers managed to escape while the assault was still ongoing. That left 172 people missing in the immediate aftermath.
Over time, 83 of those abducted returned to their communities on their own, according to the governor. Security agencies later rescued the remaining 89 victims through coordinated operations involving multiple arms of the country’s security architecture.
With the final group recovered, authorities confirmed that all abducted worshippers had been safely accounted for.
Governor Describes Attack as Shocking and Unacceptable
Addressing the rescued worshippers and their families, Governor Sani described the incident as deeply troubling and inconsistent with the state’s ongoing security improvements.
He said the attack came as a shock, especially given measures already deployed to protect vulnerable communities. He stressed that the state government remains committed to strengthening security responses across Kaduna, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Praise for Federal Support and Security Agencies
The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing direct support throughout the rescue efforts. He said the president remained engaged and responsive as security agencies worked to locate and free the worshippers.
Governor Sani also commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for coordinating intelligence and operational support. He praised the Department of State Services and other security agencies for what he described as professionalism, collaboration, and determination.
According to the governor, close cooperation among federal and state actors played a decisive role in securing the victims without loss of life.
Infrastructure Plans Announced for Kurmin Wali
Beyond security operations, Governor Sani outlined development initiatives aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding the Kurmin Wali community.
He confirmed that construction has begun on an access road linking the village to surrounding areas, a move expected to improve mobility, emergency response, and economic activity.
Plans are also underway to establish a hospital and a skills acquisition centre in the community. The governor said these projects would address long-standing gaps in healthcare and youth empowerment while reinforcing the state’s presence in the area.
Military Base to Be Sited in the Area
Governor Sani disclosed that President Tinubu has approved plans to site a military base in or near Kurmin Wali. He said the base would serve as a long-term security measure designed to deter future attacks and enable faster response to threats.
The governor said the decision reflects a broader strategy to secure flashpoints across Kaduna State and restore confidence among residents who have faced repeated security challenges.
Warning Against Politicising Insecurity
Governor Sani cautioned political actors against exploiting insecurity for partisan purposes. He said such actions undermine collective efforts to protect communities and support victims.
He emphasized that his administration prioritizes the protection of lives and property above political considerations. He added that the sanctity of human life guides all government decisions, especially in matters related to security and public safety.
As families reunited with their loved ones at the Government House, state officials reiterated their commitment to preventing similar attacks through sustained security operations, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
