Kaduna Governor Visits Community After Mass Kidnapping Incident
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has personally visited the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area following the distressing abduction of over one hundred worshippers by armed gunmen. The governor led a high-level delegation comprising senior government officials and heads of security agencies to commiserate with residents and assess the security situation firsthand.
Security Collaboration and Rescue Efforts
During his visit, Governor Sani emphasized that his administration is working closely with multiple security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted individuals. He revealed that strategic engagements have been held with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also briefed on the incident.
The governor stated: "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 the National Security Adviser, to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people that were abducted in this very important community."
He stressed that the government has a fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property regardless of the number of victims involved, affirming that his administration would not rest until all abductees are safely returned to their families.
Condemnation of Politicization and Medical Support
Governor Sani strongly condemned attempts by some individuals to politicize the tragic incident, warning against using human suffering for political gains. He emphasized the sanctity of human life and dignity as the primary concern in this situation.
In a compassionate gesture, the governor announced that the Kaduna State Government would cover the medical expenses of residents who sustained injuries during the attack, demonstrating the administration's commitment to supporting affected community members.
Long-Term Security and Development Initiatives
As part of comprehensive measures to address security challenges and promote development, Governor Sani announced several key initiatives for the Kurmin Wali community:
- Military Base Establishment: The governor will liaise with the Minister of Defence to facilitate the establishment of a military base in Kurmin Wali, given its proximity to known kidnapping and banditry hotspots.
- Access Road Construction: The state government will construct the access road linking Kurmin Wali to the main highway to improve security response capabilities and ease of movement for residents.
- Healthcare Facility: A primary healthcare centre will be built in the community to address medical needs and improve overall wellbeing.
Governor Sani noted that while insecurity along major highways like the Kaduna-Abuja expressway has reduced, criminal elements have shifted operations into rural communities, making Kurmin Wali particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to Rijana town, an epicentre of banditry activities.
Community and Traditional Leadership Response
The Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, recounted receiving a distress call while in church on Sunday informing him of the attack. He explained that the community had refrained from providing exact figures of abducted persons due to ongoing uncertainty about the numbers involved.
The traditional ruler appealed to the state government to prioritize the construction of the access road and provide additional social amenities for community development.
Emmanuel Tabara, National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, commended Governor Sani for his personal visit to the affected community, describing it as a demonstration of pragmatic and compassionate leadership. He noted that this marked the first time a sitting governor had visited Kurmin Wali, even amidst conflicting information about the incident.
Background and Context
The mass abduction occurred during worship services at two churches in the area, with reports indicating that armed bandits have demanded a substantial ransom deposit for motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations as a condition for releasing the kidnapped worshippers.
Village head Ishaku Dan'azumi revealed that the terrorists insisted on the return of missing motorcycles before the abducted individuals could regain their freedom, linking the mass kidnapping to ongoing military offensives against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru Local Government Area.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration's commitment to unity, security, and inclusive development throughout Kaduna State, emphasizing that the state remains one family regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
