Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area, scene of a recent bandit attack, where he admitted the incident and pledged decisive action to secure the release of those abducted.
On Sunday, bandits raided the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim churches during coordinated attacks in the community. Initially, the Nigeria Police, State and Local Governments denied any abduction but were forced to admit the scale of the mass abduction as over 177 persons are still help in captivity.
Governor Sani, who commiserated with the victims and their families, described the January 18 attack on three churches in the community as painful and unacceptable, assuring residents that his administration would intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
Sani said the State government would work closely with the military and other security stakeholders to ensure the safe return of all captives and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
He appealed to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), a native of Kaduna State, to support the establishment of a military base in the area to enhance security and deter criminal elements.
The Governor also announced plans to construct an access road to Kurmin Wali, establish a Primary Health Care centre, and provide other social amenities to improve living conditions and strengthen government presence in the community.
Addressing international and local journalists who accompanied him to the village, Sani said his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across Kaduna State.
Residents of Kurmin Wali thanked the Governor for the visit and pledged their cooperation with the government to help secure the release of the abducted persons and sustain peace in the area.
Written with additional reports from Zagazola Makama