Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has clarified the number of worshippers abducted during the January 18 attack on three churches in Kurmin Wali, revealing that 183 people, and not 177 as earlier reported, were taken by gunmen during the coordinated assault.
The governor explained that during the violent raid, 11 victims managed to escape, leaving 172 persons initially unaccounted for. He added that of this number, 83 later returned to their communities on their own, while 89 others were successfully rescued through a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
Governor Sani made the disclosure while receiving the rescued worshippers at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate and distressing, he said the attack came despite existing security measures put in place by the state government to protect vulnerable communities.
“This incident was painful and unexpected,” the governor said. “It underscores the complex security challenges we face, but it also highlights the resilience of our people and the determination of our security agencies to respond decisively.”
The governor expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention and sustained support during the crisis. He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the police, and other security formations for their close collaboration and professionalism, which he said were instrumental in securing the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
According to Governor Sani, the success of the rescue operation demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven security efforts. He stressed that the government remains committed to strengthening such collaboration to prevent future attacks and to ensure that criminal elements are denied safe havens anywhere in the state.
Beyond immediate security responses, the governor outlined plans aimed at addressing the developmental challenges facing Kurmin Wali and surrounding communities. He disclosed that construction work has already commenced on an access road linking Kurmin Wali to neighbouring areas, a project expected to improve mobility, enhance security response time, and stimulate economic activities.
In addition, Governor Sani announced plans to establish a hospital and a skills acquisition centre in the community. He said the facilities would not only address pressing healthcare needs but also empower residents, particularly youths, with practical skills that can improve livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to crime.
The governor further revealed that President Tinubu has given assurances that a military base will be sited in the area as part of broader efforts to consolidate security gains and prevent a recurrence of such attacks. He noted that the presence of a permanent military formation would significantly boost confidence among residents and serve as a deterrent to criminal groups operating in the region.
Governor Sani also cautioned against the politicisation of insecurity, urging political actors and commentators to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements. He emphasised that security challenges should be addressed with unity and collective resolve rather than partisan interests.
“In Kaduna State, our priority is clear and non-negotiable: the protection of lives and property,” he said. “The sanctity of human life remains paramount, and we will continue to deploy every legitimate means to safeguard our people, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation.”
He reassured the people of Kaduna State that his administration remains fully committed to restoring peace, supporting victims of violence, and building a safer and more inclusive state. The governor called on citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community participation is vital in the fight against insecurity.
As the rescued worshippers reunited with their families, the governor described their return as a moment of relief and hope, reaffirming his pledge that the government will not relent until all communities in Kaduna State can live without fear.
