Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Thursday received 183 residents of Kurmin Wali community who were abducted by gunmen and held in captivity for 19 days before their rescue by security agencies.
The abductees, made up of men, women, and children, were freed on Wednesday following coordinated operations by security forces. Their release has brought relief to families and residents of the affected community, which had been gripped by fear since the mass abduction.
Speaking while receiving the returnees, Governor Sani thanked security agencies for their efforts and assured the victims that the state government is fully committed to their safety, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
“You have gone through a very painful experience, but I want to assure you that you are now safe,” the governor said. “The Kaduna State Government will stand by you to ensure you fully recover and return to normal life.”
Governor Sani disclosed that the rescued abductees would be provided with temporary accommodation within the state. According to him, the arrangement is to ensure they receive proper medical attention and emotional support before returning to their community.
He explained that the victims would undergo comprehensive medical checks and psychological care to address the trauma they experienced during captivity.
“Many of you need rest, treatment, and counselling. We will make sure doctors and trained professionals attend to you properly,” the governor said.
He added that the government would not rush them back to Kurmin Wali until it is safe and they are physically and emotionally stable.
Beyond immediate care, Governor Sani said the state government would also help the victims rebuild their lives. He noted that many of them lost their means of livelihood as a result of the abduction.
“We will support you, especially those involved in small businesses and farming, so that you can stand on your feet again,” he said.
The governor explained that economic support is necessary to prevent further hardship and help restore confidence in the community.
He also promised that the government would work with humanitarian groups and development partners to provide additional assistance where needed.
Governor Sani said his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to prevent a repeat of such incidents. He stressed that the safety of rural communities remains a top priority for his government.
He said efforts were ongoing to strengthen security across Kaduna State through intelligence gathering, community engagement, and improved coordination among security forces.
“We will continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious bodies to ensure lasting peace in Kurmin Wali, Tudun Wali, and Kaduna State as a whole,” he said.
The governor also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing useful information that could help prevent crime.
The Kurmin Wali abduction occurred about 19 days ago when armed men invaded the community, suspected to be in the Tudun Wali axis of the state. The attackers reportedly struck at night, taking advantage of the rural setting and limited security presence.
The incident caused panic in the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes while families of the abducted persons appealed for help.
Community leaders and civil society groups had called on the state and federal governments to act swiftly to rescue the victims and improve security in the area.
Governor Sani revealed that the victims were rescued on Wednesday through the combined efforts of security agencies. While he did not give details of the operation, he praised the professionalism and dedication of the personnel involved.
Security sources said the rescue followed days of intelligence-led operations, surveillance, and pressure on the kidnappers.
The successful rescue is one of the largest in recent times in Kaduna State and has been described by residents as a major relief.
Families of the rescued abductees expressed gratitude to the government and security agencies for bringing their loved ones back alive.
“We were living in fear and pain for almost three weeks,” a family member said. “Seeing them return is like a miracle.”
Community leaders also welcomed the development but urged the government to do more to secure rural areas.
“This should be a lesson that our villages need more protection,” a community elder said. “We thank God and the government, but we must prevent this from happening again.”
Kaduna State has faced security challenges in recent years, particularly in rural areas where banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities have been reported.
Successive administrations have introduced measures such as joint security operations, community policing, and engagement with local leaders to address the problem.
Governor Sani, who took office in 2023, has repeatedly said that security remains a key focus of his administration. He has also called for cooperation between government and citizens to tackle crime effectively.
As the rescued abductees begin their journey to recovery, residents of Kurmin Wali and surrounding communities are hopeful that the incident will lead to stronger security measures.
Governor Sani assured them that his government would not relent until peace is restored and sustained across Kaduna State.
“For us, this is not the end,” he said. “We will continue to work until every community in Kaduna can sleep with both eyes closed.”
The return of the 183 abductees marks a significant moment for the state, offering hope amid ongoing efforts to address insecurity and protect lives and property.