Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has provided a crucial assurance that all individuals abducted during the recent attack on Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area will be safely rescued and reunited with their families. This assurance comes as the state government intensifies efforts in collaboration with various security agencies to achieve a swift resolution.
Governor Sani led a high-powered delegation, including senior government officials and heads of security agencies, to Kurmin Wali to offer condolences and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the community’s well-being. He emphasized that the government is working around the clock, engaging with the military, DSS, police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure the prompt recovery and safe return of the abductees.
What is the government’s priority in the Kurmin Wali abduction? The primary focus is the sanctity of human life and ensuring the safe return of all abducted individuals, regardless of their number. The Kaduna State Government is committed to protecting its citizens’ lives and property.
During his visit, Governor Sani stressed that the exact number of abducted persons is secondary to the fundamental responsibility of the government to protect its people. He stated unequivocally that whether one or one hundred people are involved, the government’s duty remains the same. This highlights a commitment to individual security over statistics.
Governor Sani strongly condemned any attempts to politicize the tragic incident, urging a focus on the value of human life rather than numbers or political maneuvering. He reiterated that the government will exhaust all possible avenues, in partnership with security agencies, to secure the quick return of the abducted individuals.
Furthermore, the Kaduna State Government will cover the medical expenses for any individuals who sustained injuries during the attack. This compassionate measure underscores the government’s holistic approach to supporting the affected community.
Looking towards long-term security, Governor Sani announced plans to collaborate with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to establish a military base in Kurmin Wali. This strategic move is prompted by the community’s proximity to known banditry hotspots, acknowledging that criminal elements have shifted their focus to inland areas as the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway becomes more secure.
Kurmin Wali’s strategic location near Rijana town, a known epicentre of banditry, makes it a critical area for enhanced security presence. The proposed military base aims to deter future attacks and improve response times.
To further bolster security and accessibility, Governor Sani pledged the construction of an access road linking Kurmin Wali directly to the main highway. This project will significantly improve mobility for residents and enhance the efficiency of security responses in the region.
The governor also committed to the construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre in the community, recognizing the need for essential services to be readily available to the residents of Kurmin Wali.
Governor Sani expressed that the people of Kurmin Wali, like all citizens of Kaduna State, trust his administration due to its inclusive governance approach. He affirmed that the government protects lives and property without regard for religion or ethnicity, fostering a sense of unity across the state.
The Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, shared his experience of receiving a distress call during church service on Sunday. He explained the initial hesitation to comment due to uncertainty about the exact number of abductees, confirming only that an attack had occurred and some individuals were taken.
Chief Titus earnestly appealed to the state government for the urgent construction of the access road, detailing how the current poor road conditions significantly extend travel time to and from the community. He also requested the provision of other vital amenities.
Engr. Emmanuel Tabara, National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), commended Governor Sani for being the first governor to personally visit Kurmin Wali. He praised the governor’s pragmatic leadership in initiating rescue efforts despite conflicting information, assuring the governor of the community’s unwavering support and dismissing any attempts to use the incident for political gain.
Engr. Tabara concluded by offering prayers for the Governor’s protection and success, reinforcing the community’s solidarity with his administration’s efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
