Uba Sani, Kaduna State governor, has received 172 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA, following their release from captivity.
The freed victims arrived at the Government House in Kaduna at about 1 pm on Thursday, escorted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in no fewer than four buses.
Those released included nursing mothers, children and elderly persons.
“Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned,” the governor said.
“Initially, 183 people were abducted. Eleven were released earlier and taken straight to hospital.
“They have been certified medically fit and have returned home. Out of the remaining victims, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday.
“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing.”
The governor said the victims would not be allowed to return home immediately, as arrangements had been made for their medical and psychological care.
“For now, we are not sending the victims home immediately. They will undergo thorough medical examinations and comprehensive psychosocial care here in Kaduna,” he said.
“Our medical team and specialists will ensure they are physically and mentally fit before returning home.
“We will also support their livelihoods, as many of them have lost income during this period.”
Sani condemned attempts to politicise the incident, describing such actions as unfortunate.
“Turning the suffering of citizens into politics is unfortunate and unacceptable. As a government, our responsibility is clear: we will continue to work day and night to protect lives and property in Kaduna,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, whom he said showed deep concern over the incident.
He also thanked Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, and other security agencies “for working closely with us to ensure the safe return of these children and our mothers here today.”
Sani disclosed that he had approached Tinubu and Ribadu on the need to establish a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly the Regina General Area, which he described as a long-identified flashpoint along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor.
The governor added that the president had assured him the request would be granted.
