The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has reassured Kurmin Wali residents that all individuals abducted during Sunday’s attack will soon return home.

Fielding questions from reporters during his visit to Kurmin Wali, Sani stated in clear terms that the state is collaborating with security agencies to rescue the abducted individuals.

“We have been collaborating in the last two days with relevant security agencies — the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser — to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people abducted in this very important community,” he said.

He emphasised that the government’s duty is to protect lives, regardless of the number affected, while condemning attempts to politicise the incident or focus on numbers, describing such actions as inappropriate.

“We should not be talking about numbers or politics. We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here,” Sani said.

“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.”

Recall dunmen attacked three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, kidnapping about 167 worshippers.

The governor announced that the state government would cover the medical expenses for those injured during the attack. He also promised to engage Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, to establish a military base in the community due to its proximity to banditry hotspots, such as Rijana town.

Sani pointed out that while the military has secured the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, bandits have shifted their activities to hinterland areas, making places like Kurmin Wali vulnerable.

He expressed his commitment to constructing an access road that would link the community to the highway and instructed the commissioner for public works to conduct an assessment.

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