Kaduna State Governor Malam Uba Sani has firmly defended his administration’s handling of the mass abduction in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area, insisting there is full transparency and no cover-up surrounding the incident.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, the governor addressed initial skepticism and conflicting reports following the Sunday attack by armed men on the community, where gunmen reportedly invaded three churches and abducted worshippers.
“We have nothing to hide about what happened in Kurmin Wali. As soon as the attack happened, I met with all the heads of security agencies at the national level,” he said.
Governor Sani emphasized that his priority remains the safe return of the victims rather than disputes over initial reporting or numbers. Early community and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) accounts listed up to 177 people abducted, though the precise figure is still under verification amid reports that some escaped and kidnappers have since made contact demanding payments related to lost items before ransom discussions.
“In Kaduna, we do not mix security with politics. We depend on information from the security agencies, and we trust them. They are the first people we call when there is trouble, so condemning them helps no one,” he said.
The governor detailed his immediate engagements with top national security figures, including the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police.
He reiterated the state’s firm no-ransom policy. “We have a policy. We do not pay ransom,” he said, noting that no formal ransom demand has been received for the victims themselves.
Sani, who recently visited the affected community to commiserate with families and traditional leaders, assured ongoing intensive rescue operations. “Government cannot do this alone. People must continue to work with security agencies,” he said, urging residents to provide credible intelligence.
He concluded with a resolute promise to the families: “As governor, I will not rest. By God’s grace, we will make sure all our people return home safely.”
The abduction has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over persistent banditry in southern Kaduna, with security forces intensifying operations in the region amid calls for sustained community collaboration and enhanced preventive measures.
