THE 183 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been rescued, 18 days after they were kidnapped by bandits during a church service on January 18.
The freed victims were formally received today by Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
Describing the moment as “a day of joy for the state,” the governor said the successful rescue reflected the quiet but determined efforts of the state government working closely with security agencies.
Governor Sani said the abduction came as a shock, particularly after more than two years of relative peace achieved through sustained collaboration between the state and security forces.
He explained that immediately after the incident, the government mobilised all relevant security formations and stakeholders with the sole aim of ensuring that every victim returned alive.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for personally monitoring the situation and providing leadership support, as well as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for coordinating efforts with the state.
The governor also praised the Director-General of the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security agencies for what he called exceptional cooperation throughout the rescue operation.
Providing details, Sani said 11 of the abducted worshippers were released earlier and hospitalised, 83 were freed days later, while the remaining 89 were rescued yesterday, bringing the total number safely returned to 183.
He stressed that the government refused to politicise the incident, insisting that even one abducted person was unacceptable.
The governor disclosed that he has requested the establishment of a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly near Rijana along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor, adding that President Tinubu has assured him the request would be approved.
He also announced plans for a new access road to Kurmin Wali, as well as the construction of a hospital and a skills acquisition centre in the community.
Governor Sani said the rescued worshippers would first undergo medical examinations and receive psychosocial care in Kaduna before reuniting with their families.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies, noting the risks they take daily to protect lives and property.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, its chairman, Rev. Caleb Maaji, described the rescue as a divine intervention and thanked the state government, security agencies and residents for their prayers and support until all victims were freed.
Some of the worshippers recounted trekking for six days through the forest to the kidnappers’ camp, but expressed gratitude to the government and security agencies for securing their safe return.