Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured residents that his administration, working closely with security agencies, will ensure the safe and prompt return of all persons abducted from Kurmin Wali village last Sunday.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday while leading a high-powered delegation of senior government officials and heads of security agencies to sympathise with the people of Kurmin Wali. He said he would remain fully committed until every abducted resident is safely reunited with their families.
“In the last two days, we have been collaborating with the relevant security agencies, both the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of National Security Adviser to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people that were abducted in this very important community,” he said.
Sani stressed that the actual number of abducted persons was irrelevant, noting that whether one person or many were taken, the responsibility of protecting lives and property rests squarely on the Kaduna State Government.
He criticised individuals attempting to politicise the incident, cautioning that “we should not be talking about numbers or politics.”
“We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here. 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 reiterated.
He further pledged that the Kaduna State Government would take responsibility for the medical bills of those who sustained injuries during the attack.
Governor Sani also revealed plans to engage the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, on the possibility of establishing a military base in the community due to its proximity to known kidnapping and banditry hotspots.
According to him, while security forces have significantly curtailed criminal activities along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, bandits have shifted operations deeper into rural areas. He explained that Kurmin Wali’s closeness to Rijana, identified as one of the epicentres of banditry in the country, makes enhanced security presence imperative.
The governor also promised that the road linking Kurmin Wali to the main highway would be constructed to improve accessibility. He said the Commissioner of Public Works would carry out the necessary assessments ahead of the project’s commencement.
Sani expressed appreciation to the community for their support, adding that his administration would also build a Primary Healthcare Centre in Kurmin Wali.
“The people of Kurmin Wali, just like other communities in Kaduna State, have absolute trust and belief in our government. Because they know, we are running an inclusive government.
“We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State. And I’m happy the people of Kurmin Wali have understood that clearly.
“That is the reason why when we came in here, you can see how they received us warmly, even those that are mourning, even those that are grieving, they are with the government,” he added.
In his remarks, the Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, said he was attending church on Sunday when he received an emergency call alerting him to the attack on Kurmin Wali.
“We refused to comment on the incident since Sunday because we don’t know the number of those that were kidnapped. We only said that there was an attack and some people were abducted,” he explained.
Chief Titus appealed to the state government to prioritise the construction of the access road from the highway to the community, noting that a journey that should take 10 minutes currently takes about 30 minutes. He also called for the provision of additional social amenities.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, its National President, Samuel Karo, praised Governor Sani for personally visiting the community.
“You are the first Governor to visit this community and I have to commend you for your pragmatic leadership. Even in the face of conflicting information, you have initiated action for the rescue of those people who are abducted,” he said.
Karo assured the governor of the community’s support, stressing that attempts by political opponents to exploit the incident would not succeed.
“If it is your detractors in politics that want to use this to diminish your popularity, I am saying they have failed. We have nothing to do with politics, but to identify with altruistic administration of Your Excellency,” he added.
What you should know
The abduction in Kurmin Wali has drawn renewed attention to insecurity in rural communities across Kaduna State.
Governor Uba Sani’s visit signals an effort to reassure affected residents and demonstrate government commitment to both rescue operations and long-term security solutions. Beyond promises of rescue, the state government is proposing structural responses such as a military base, road construction, healthcare facilities and support for victims.
Community leaders have welcomed the governor’s intervention, viewing it as a sign of inclusive governance amid ongoing security challenges in Southern Kaduna.
