Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured residents that his administration, in collaboration with security agencies, will ensure the safe return of all persons abducted from Kurmin Wali village on Sunday.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday when he led a delegation of senior government officials and heads of security agencies to commiserate with the people of Kurmin Wali.

He said he would not rest until the abducted victims were returned safely.

According to him, “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.”

Governor Sani stressed that the number of abducted persons was immaterial, saying whether one or 100 people were kidnapped, it remained the responsibility of the Kaduna State Government to protect lives and property.

“Whether it was one person that was abducted or 100 people, it is the responsibility of Kaduna State Government to protect the lives and property of the people,” he said.

He condemned those attempting to politicise the incident, warning against focusing on figures or political interests.

“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 stated.

Governor Sani also announced that the state government would foot the medical bills of residents who sustained injuries during the attack.

He further disclosed plans to liaise with the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, to station a military base in the community due to its proximity to kidnapping hotspots.

According to him, “The military has contained the insecurity along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, but bandits have found safer havens in the hinterland. Kurmin Wali happens to be close to Rijana town, which is one of the epicentres of banditry in the country.”

The governor also pledged to construct the access road linking Kurmin Wali to the highway, saying the Commissioner for Public Works would conduct an assessment ahead of the project’s groundbreaking. He additionally promised the construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre in the community.

“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 will protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State,” he said.

He added, “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.”

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

“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 construct the access road to the community, noting that a journey that should take ten minutes took about 30 minutes due to poor road conditions. He also requested the provision of other social amenities.

Similarly, the National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Emmanuel Tabara, commended 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.

Tabara assured the governor of the people’s support, adding, “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 the altruistic administration of Your Excellency.”

He prayed that God would grant the governor protection and success in his endeavours.