Gov Sani Receives 183 Rescued Worshippers In Kaduna

Photo showing Kaduna's State Governor Sani and a cross-section of rescued worshippers 

Gov Sani Receives 183 Rescued Worshippers in Kaduna

In a moment of relief and celebration, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State formally received 183 worshippers who had been abducted by bandits from the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area.

The victims, taken during a church service on January 18, regained their freedom after 18 harrowing days in captivity. The reception took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, where the governor was joined by heads of security agencies, senior government officials, and community leaders.

Governor Sani described the event as a “day of joy for the state,” emphasizing that the safe return of all abducted worshippers was the result of quiet but determined efforts by the state government and security agencies. He acknowledged the shock of the incident, particularly after more than two years of relative peace in Kaduna, achieved through close collaboration between the government and security forces.

Following the abduction, the state government immediately mobilized security formations and stakeholders with the singular objective of ensuring the safe return of every victim.

Governor Sani commended President Bola Tinubu for personally monitoring the situation from the outset, offering concern and leadership support. He also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for coordinating rescue efforts, alongside the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other agencies for their exceptional collaboration.

The governor provided a detailed breakdown of the rescue: 183 persons were initially abducted, 11 were released earlier and hospitalised, 83 regained freedom days later, and the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday. He declared with certainty that all abducted individuals had now returned safely, stressing that even one missing person would have been unacceptable.

Looking ahead, Governor Sani disclosed that he had requested the establishment of a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly the Rijana area along the Kaduna, Abuja corridor, to bolster security. He confirmed that President Tinubu had assured him the request would be granted.

In addition, the state government has begun constructing a road linking Kurmin Wali to the main highway, with plans to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre to support the community’s recovery and resilience.

This development marks a significant victory against insecurity in Kaduna State, underscoring the importance of coordinated action between government, security agencies, and community leaders. It also highlights the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the fight against banditry and violence.