Governor Uba Sani’s Visit to Kurmin Wali Amid Abduction Crisis
Governor Uba Sani made a significant visit to the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday. This visit followed a recent incident where scores of villagers were abducted by bandits, and the governor pledged swift action to secure their release.
During his address, the governor emphasized that the state government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals. He stressed that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority for his administration.
Sani was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN); and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki. Other senior government officials and security personnel also joined the visit.
In his speech to the residents, the governor expressed his sympathy over the attack that occurred on Sunday, assuring the community that the government would not abandon the victims or their families. He stated, “In Kaduna State, every life matters. We are here to assure the people of Kurmin Wali that the government is collaborating with all security agencies to ensure that those abducted return home safely.”
The governor mentioned that some residents had sustained injuries during the incident and assured them that the state government would cover the costs of medical treatment for all affected individuals. He also explained that security agencies initially took time to verify details of the incident but noted that the government’s focus had now shifted entirely to rescuing the abductees.
Sani highlighted the collaboration between the state government and various security agencies, including the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. He dismissed any debates about the number of abducted individuals, insisting that even if one person was taken, the government had a duty to act decisively.
“We are not talking about numbers or politics. We are talking about the sanctity of human life. Whether one person or many, the responsibility of government remains the same,” he said.
The governor also cautioned against politicizing insecurity, warning that commentary from people who were not directly involved could undermine efforts to resolve the crisis. He noted that the reception he received in Kurmin Wali demonstrated the community’s trust in the government and its inclusive approach to governance, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Sani assured the community that the abducted villagers would be recovered within days, expressing confidence in the ongoing security operations. In response to demands from community leaders, he acknowledged the poor condition of the access road to Kurmin Wali and promised immediate intervention.
He revealed that he had already engaged the Minister of Defence and other security chiefs, urging the establishment of a military base in the area due to its proximity to bandit-prone forests. According to him, the location of Kurmin Wali makes it vulnerable, and a permanent military presence would prevent criminals displaced from major highways from relocating to rural communities.
The governor also announced plans to build a suitable hospital in the community to address long-standing healthcare challenges. He directed relevant agencies to commence the construction process, assuring residents that a groundbreaking would take place in the coming days.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Tabara Katoh, commended the governor for what he described as pragmatic and compassionate leadership. Katoh stated that Governor Sani was the first sitting governor to visit Kurmin Wali, adding that his actions had reassured the community despite conflicting reports surrounding the abduction.
He pointed out that attempts by political detractors to exploit the situation would fail, emphasizing that the community’s support for the governor was based on performance, not politics.
According to an investigation, the abductors had not yet made any monetary ransom demands, although some escapees reported that the bandits demanded motorcycles in exchange for the hostages.
