Kaduna Working with Security Agencies to Rescue Abducted Worshippers, says Uba Sani

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has assured residents of Kurmin Wali that all persons abducted during Sunday’s attack on the community will soon return to their families. 

On Sunday, gunmen attacked three churches in the community, whisking away about 167 worshippers.

Speaking when he visited the community, Sani said the state is collaborating with security agencies to rescue the abductees.

“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 victims is irrelevant, adding that the state government has a duty to protect lives and property regardless of whether one person or 100 are affected.

He condemned attempts to politicise the incident or focus on numbers, 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.”

The governor announced that the state government would cover the medical bills of those injured during the attack.

He also promised to engage Christopher Musa, the minister of defence, to establish a military base in the community due to its proximity to banditry hotspots like Rijana town.

Sani said while the military has secured the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, bandits have shifted to hinterland areas, making locations like Kurmin Wali vulnerable.

He said his administration is committed to constructing an access road linking the community to the highway, directing the commissioner for public works to conduct an assessment.

“We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna state,” the governor said.