Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State has welcomed 172 worshippers who were abducted from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, following their release from captivity.
The freed victims arrived at the government house in Kaduna around 1:00 pm on Thursday, escorted by operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Among those freed were nursing mothers, children, and elderly individuals.
Speaking at the government house, Governor Sani confirmed the full return of the abducted worshippers, saying, “Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned.”
He said a total of 183 people were initially abducted. Eleven victims had been released earlier and taken directly to the hospital for medical treatment.
“They have been certified medically fit and have returned home,” Sani added.
The governor explained that 83 victims returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just a day earlier. “Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” he emphasized.
Sani also outlined the government’s plans for the victims’ recovery.
“For now, we are not sending the victims home immediately. They will undergo thorough medical examination and comprehensive psychosocial care here in Kaduna,” he explained.
He assured that the victims would be given the necessary medical and psychological support to ensure they are physically and mentally fit before returning home.
Additionally, the governor promised to assist the victims with livelihood support, acknowledging that many had lost income during their time in captivity.
Governor Sani strongly condemned attempts to politicize the tragedy, calling such actions “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He stressed,
The governor also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his deep concern over the incident and thanked Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, as well as other security agencies, for their collaboration in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
