By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area to commiserate with residents over the recent abduction of 177 Christian worshippers by bandits.
The governor, who addressed community leaders, clergy, and grieving families during the visit, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of all the abducted victims.
According to him, concrete efforts are already underway in collaboration with security agencies at both state and federal levels to secure the release of the captives and restore lasting peace to the area.
“Our priority is the safe return of every single victim to their families. We will not rest until that is achieved,” Sani said.
He assured the community that additional security presence would be deployed to Kurmin Wali and its surrounding areas immediately after the victims’ release to prevent further attacks.
“After their safe return, we will ensure sustained security presence here to protect our people and their properties,” the governor added.
Sani disclosed that he had engaged the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), who is also an indigene of Kaduna State, on the urgent need to strengthen security around Kurmin Wali and neighbouring communities.
“Just yesterday, I discussed with the Minister of Defence the need to deploy security personnel to this community. He has assured me that necessary security measures will be put in place. From what I have seen, Kurmin Wali shares close proximity with Rijana, which makes enhanced security intervention very necessary,” he explained.
The governor further pledged that his administration would address the long-standing infrastructural challenges facing the community, including the construction of an access road and a rural healthcare facility to improve mobility and access to medical services.
He, however, warned politicians and individuals attempting to politicise the security situation to desist, stressing that insecurity should not be exploited for personal or political gain.
“This is a time for unity and collective responsibility. Those politicising the suffering of our people should stop. Our focus must remain on saving lives and restoring peace,” Sani cautioned.
The abduction of the worshippers, who were reportedly taken from three churches during Sunday services, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Kajuru and adjoining communities.
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