Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has confirmed the safe rescue of all 183 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the development in government house while receiving the recscued Worshippers, the governor said 11 of the victims were released earlier and taken directly to hospital, where they were certified medically fit before reuniting with their families.
He explained that 83 other victims returned a few days later, while the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday, bringing the total number of freed abductees to 183.
“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” the governor said.
Uba Sani noted that the incident came as a shock, especially given the efforts of his administration over the past two and a half years to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
He said immediately the abduction occurred, the state government mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President showed concern and leadership by maintaining constant contact with him from the first day of the incident.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for working closely with the state government to secure the release of the abducted women and children.
Uba Sani praised the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, as well as the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and the Inspector-General of Police for their collaboration during the rescue operation.
He said the Kaduna State Government deliberately avoided politicising the incident or engaging in public arguments over figures, stressing that the priority was to ensure that every abducted person returned safely.
“For us, even one abducted person is unacceptable,” the governor said, adding that the state does not take security issues lightly.
Uba Sani announced that he had requested the establishment of a military base along the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly around the Regina area, identified as a long-standing security flashpoint on the Kaduna–Abuja corridor.
He said President Tinubu had assured him that the request would be granted to strengthen security in the area.
The governor explained that rather than relocating the predominantly farming community of Kurmin Wali, the government had chosen to protect residents in their ancestral homes to sustain their livelihoods and boost the local economy.
According to him, construction has commenced on the road linking Kurmin Wali to the main road, while a hospital and a skills acquisition centre are also being built for the community.
He disclosed that the rescued victims would not be returned home immediately, as they would first undergo comprehensive medical examinations and psychosocial support in Kaduna.
Uba Sani appealed to citizens to be fair to security agencies, urging Nigerians to support personnel who risk their lives daily, while assuring that his administration would continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property across Kaduna State.