From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Kaduna StateGovernor, Uba Sani has promised that his administration, in collaboration with other security agencies, will ensure the safe return of all those abducted in Kurmin Wali village on Sunday.
The governor, who made this pledge on Wednesday when he led a large delegation of senior government officials and heads of security agencies to commiserate with the people of Kurmin Wali, said he will not rest until the abducted are returned home safely.
‘’In the last two days, we have been collaborating with the relevant security agencies, both the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people who were abducted in this significant community,’’ he disclosed.
He reiterated that the number of those kidnapped does not matter, adding that whether it was one person abducted or 100, ‘’it is the responsibility of the Kaduna State government to protect the lives and property of the people.’’
The governor condemned those who have been using the unfortunate incident to score a political point, admonishing them that ‘’we should not be talking about numbers or politics. ‘’
‘’We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here. And that is the reason why we will go to any length, collaborating with the security agencies, to ensure the quick return of our people here in Kurmin Wali,’’ he reiterated.
Governor Uba Sani promised that the Kaduna State government will foot the medical bills of those who sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident.
The governor also said he will liaise with the Minister of Defense, retired General Christopher Musa, to station a military base in the community, given its proximity to the kidnapping black spots.
According to him, the military has contained insecurity along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, but bandits have found safer havens in the hinterland. He added that Kurmin Wali is close to Rijana, one of the epicenters of banditry in the country.
Governor Uba Sani also promised that the road linking the community to the highway will be constructed to provide access to Kurmin Wali, pledging that the Commissioner of Public Works will conduct the necessary assessment before the groundbreaking of the project.
The governor, who thanked the people for their support, further said that the Kaduna State government will build a primary healthcare centre at Kurmin Wali.
‘’The people of Kurmin Wali, just like other communities in Kaduna State, have absolute trust and belief in our government. Because they know we are running an inclusive government.
‘’We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State. And I’m happy the people of Kurmin Wali have understood that clearly.
‘’That is the reason why, when we came in here, you can see how they received us warmly, even those who are mourning, even those who are grieving. They are with the government,’’ he added.
In his welcome address, the Agwam Kufana, Chief Dauda Titus, said he was in church on Sunday when he received a distress call from Kurmin Wali about the attack.
He said that ‘’we refused to comment on the incident since Sunday because we don’t know the number of those who were kidnapped. We only said that there was an attack and some people were abducted.’’
Chief Titus pleaded with the Kaduna State government to construct the access road from the highway to Kurmin Wali, adding that the trip shouldn’t have taken ten minutes but took 30 minutes from the main road to the community.
The Agwam Kufana also requested the provision of additional amenities for Kurmin Wali.
Speaking during the visit, the National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Engr Emmanuel Tabara, commended Governor Uba Sani for visiting Kurmin Wali.
‘’You are the first governor to visit this community, and I have to commend you for your pragmatic leadership. Even in the face of conflicting information, you have initiated action for the rescue of those people who were abducted.
He assured the governor that the people are behind him, adding that ‘’if it is your detractors in politics that want to use this to diminish your popularity, I am saying they have failed. We have nothing to do with politics, but to identify with the altruistic administration of Your Excellency.
Engr Tabara prayed to God to give the governor ‘’protection and to give you more victories in every one of your endeavours.’’
