Kaduna reunites 204 kidnap survivors with families

The Kaduna government has reunited 204 victims of recentmass abductions in the state with their families. On January 18, bandits struck Kurmin Wali, a community inKajuru local government area of Kaduna state, kidnapping 177 worshippers,including children and women, across three churches. They were taken from the Evangelical Church Winning All(ECWA), Haske Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, and Albarka Cherubim andSeraphim. Eleven of the victims escaped from their abductors in lateJanuary, leaving 166 in captivity. Uba Sani, Kaduna state governor, said the initial freedvictims, having borne injuries and visible testimonies of their ordeal,immediately received medical attention before being reunited with theirfamilies. On Sunday, February 1, Ishaku Danazumi, the village head,said about 83 victims regained freedom through a combination of individualescapes, community efforts and security intervention. On February 6, Sani announced the final rescue of theremaining 89 victims, citing a joint security operation. In a post on X, Sani noted that the 83 victims freed in thesecond phase of the release were undergoing medical treatment and psychosocialsupport, while the 89 rescued last would immediately receive the samecomprehensive care, ensuring not merely survival, but restoration of body, mindand dignity. The survivors reportedly underwent care at governmentfacilities in Kaduna for psychological therapy and medical checks. In a statement on Thursday, the state government said thekidnap survivors have been reunited with their families after “comprehensivecare”. According to the statement, Hadiza Balarabe, the Kadunadeputy governor, represented Sani at the victims’ family reunion held at thegovernment house. The state government shared photographs from the reunion onthe deputy governor’s X page. While receiving the last batch of the kidnap victimspenultimate Thursday, Sani had said beyond family reunion, the state governmentwould construct an access road to Kurmin Wali, establish a healthcare facilityand provide targeted support to farmers and industrious residents to restorelivelihoods and dignity. He said the government would also advocate the establishmentof a military base to strengthen security in the area.

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