Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed 172 freed worshippers on Thursday afternoon after their abduction from three churches in Kurmin Wali, located in Kajuru Local Government Area.
The released captives arrived at Government House in Kaduna around 1 p.m., transported in four buses under the protection of Department of State Services personnel. Among those freed were nursing mothers, children, and elderly individuals.
“We can now confirm that all those taken from Kurmin Wali have been recovered,” Governor Sani announced. “Of the 183 people originally abducted, eleven were released first and taken directly for medical treatment. They have since been cleared and sent home. Another 83 returned several days ago, and 89 were rescued yesterday. That accounts for all 183 individuals.”
The governor stated that the victims would remain in Kaduna temporarily for medical evaluation and psychological support before returning to their communities.
“These individuals will receive complete medical examinations and psychosocial care before going home,” he explained. “Our medical personnel and specialists will ensure they are both physically and mentally ready. We will also provide livelihood assistance, as many lost income during their captivity.”
Sani criticized efforts to use the kidnapping for political gain, calling such behavior unacceptable. “Exploiting citizens’ suffering for politics is deeply troubling. Our duty as a government is straightforward: we will continue working around the clock to safeguard lives and property throughout Kaduna,” he said.
The governor acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the crisis response and thanked National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and security agencies for their coordination in securing the victims’ release.
Sani revealed that he had requested the establishment of a military base near the Kajuru-Kachia area, specifically around Regina—a known security hotspot along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. According to the governor, President Tinubu has agreed to approve the request.
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