Kurmin Wali abduction: Uba Sani vows safe return of victims, military base for community

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured residents of Kurmin Wali village that all persons abducted during Sunday’s attack on the community will be rescued and returned safely.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday when he led top government officials and heads of security agencies on a condolence visit to the community.

He said the state government, working closely with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), had intensified efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

“In the last two days, we have been collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure the quick recovery and safe return of our people that were abducted from this community,” the governor said.

Uba Sani stressed that the number of abducted persons was immaterial, insisting that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of government.

“Whether it is one person or 100 people, it is the duty of the Kaduna State Government to protect its citizens. We should not be talking about numbers or politics, but about the sanctity of human life,” he added.

The governor condemned attempts by some individuals to politicise the incident, warning that such actions detract from the urgent need to rescue the victims.

He also disclosed plans to liaise with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on the establishment of a military base in Kurmin Wali, citing the community’s proximity to Rijana and other banditry-prone areas.

According to him, while security forces have made significant progress along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, criminal elements have shifted operations into hinterland communities.

Uba Sani further announced that the state government would construct the access road linking Kurmin Wali to the highway, noting that poor road conditions hindered security response and development.

He added that the government would also build a Primary Healthcare Centre in the community and bear the medical bills of residents injured during the attack.

“We are running an inclusive government. We protect every citizen irrespective of religion or ethnicity. The people of Kurmin Wali have shown trust in this administration, and we will not betray that trust,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, said he received a distress call while in church on Sunday informing him of the attack.

He explained that the community refrained from issuing figures on the abduction due to conflicting reports, appealing to the state government to prioritise the construction of the access road and other basic amenities.

Also speaking, President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Engr. Emmanuel Tabara, commended the governor for personally visiting the community.

“You are the first governor to visit this community. Despite conflicting information, you acted swiftly. The people are solidly behind you, and those attempting to score political points have failed,” he said.

Engr. Tabara prayed for divine protection and continued success for the governor.