Kaduna state governor Senator Uba Sani has visited Kurmin Wali, the community where 177 worshippers were abducted during an attack by bandits on three churches in the community on Sunday.
Speaking during the visit on Wednesday, Sani assured that his administration, in collaboration with other security agencies, will ensure the safe return of the victims safely.
He added that he would not rest on his oars until the victims returned home safely.
Sani said, ‘’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 National Security Adviser, to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people that were abducted in this very important community”.
He said whether it was one person that was abducted, ‘’it is the responsibility of the Kaduna State government to protect the lives and property of the people.’’
The governor condemned those who have been using the unfortunate incident to score a political point, admonishing that ‘’we should not be talking about numbers or politics. ‘’
‘’We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here. 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,’’ he said.
The governor promised that the state government would foot the medical bills of those who sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident.
He added that the state government will liaise with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) to station a military base in the community, given its proximity to the kidnapping black spots.
Sani said the military has contained the insecurity along Kaduna-Abuja expressway, but bandits have found safer havens in the hinterland.
He said Kurmin Wali happens to be close to Rijana town, which is one of the epic centre of banditry in the country.
He also promised that the road linking the community to the highway would be constructed, saying the Commissioner of Public Works would do the necessary assessment prior to the groundbreaking of the project.
“’We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State. And I’m happy the people of Kurmin Wali have understood that clearly.
‘’That is the reason why when we came in here, you received us warmly, even those that are mourning and grieving. ”
Earlier in his remarks, the Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, said that he was in church on Sunday when he received a distress call from the community, notifying him of the attack
He said ‘’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.’’
Sani visits Kurmin Wali Community, where bandits abducted 177 worshippers, assured of safe return of victims
