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Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Visits Kurmin Wali After Mass Abduction, Vows Rescue and Community Support
Communities, families and security agencies respond as Kaduna intensifies efforts to free kidnapped villagers.
In a heartfelt show of leadership and commitment to community safety, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State made a high-profile visit to Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area on Wednesday following the mass abduction of 177 villagers by suspected bandits. The visit marks an important development in the government’s response to the tragedy, which has dominated headlines, heightened communal fear, and drawn national and international attention.
Governor’s Visit: A Gesture of Solidarity and Assurance
Governor Sani’s arrival in Kurmin Wali was met with somber crowds of residents, family members of the abducted, and local leaders who have been grappling with grief, fear, and uncertainty since the attack took place on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Sani, accompanied by top security chiefs — including the Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), and the Chairman of Kajuru LGA, Dauda Madaki — engaged directly with community members and offered condolences to those affected.
Addressing the residents, Governor Sani emphasised the government’s commitment to human life and dignity, stating that “every life matters” and that no family would be abandoned in their hour of need. He reiterated that the state government was working closely with all relevant security agencies — including the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser — to ensure the safe rescue and return of the abducted villagers.
The Attack in Context: What Happened at Kurmin Wali
The tragic episode unfolded during church services in three congregations in the ordinarily peaceful rural settlement of Kurmin Wali — two branches of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and one belonging to the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). Armed assailants entered the places of worship while services were underway and forced hundreds of worshippers into the bush.
Survivors and community sources reported that the attackers were heavily armed, moved with precision, and prevented worshippers from escaping. They herded the captives — which included women, elderly persons, and children — into the thick forests that dominate much of Kajuru’s terrain.
Of the 177 people reportedly taken, at least 11 managed to escape, returning to safety in nearby communities. But the remaining 166 worshippers remain unaccounted for, held by the bandits under conditions that remain unclear.
Official Response: From Denial to Action
The Kaduna State Government’s reaction has not been without controversy. Initial statements from state security officials, including the police and local government leadership, reportedly downplayed or even denied that a mass abduction had occurred. This sparked frustration among residents, religious leaders, and civil society groups who insisted that the incident was real and that security forces should act swiftly.
However, as credible evidence, eyewitness accounts, and documented lists of abductees emerged, official positions shifted. Governor Sani’s visit and statements signal a firm acknowledgment by the government of both the scale of the tragedy and the necessity of a coordinated rescue effort.
Security Strategy: Coordinated Efforts to Free Captives
During his visit, Governor Sani stressed that state authorities were no longer focused on debating the number of abducted persons, arguing that even a single kidnapped resident would warrant urgent action. “Whether one person or many, the government’s duty remains the same,” he said, underscoring the importance of values over numbers in the face of human suffering.
To strengthen the rescue efforts, the governor disclosed that he had been engaging with the Minister of Defence and other senior security officials to explore strategic options, including the possibility of establishing a military base in Kurmin Wali or its environs. Such a base, he argued, would enhance rapid response capabilities and deter armed groups from using the expansive forests as hideouts.
This proposal aligns with broader calls from residents and stakeholders across Southern Kaduna, who believe that permanent or semi-permanent security installations are critical to curbing the constant threat of kidnappings, bandit raids, and other violent attacks in rural areas.
Promises to Address Long-Standing Socio-Economic Challenges
Beyond immediate rescue operations, Governor Sani’s visit included announcements aimed at long-term community support. Recognising the infrastructural deficiencies that make Kurmin Wali and similar settlements vulnerable, he pledged to:
- Foot medical expenses for residents injured during the abduction incident.
- Construct an access road to improve connectivity with major highways and enable swifter security responses in future emergencies.
- Build a community hospital to provide basic healthcare services, addressing long-standing gaps in local medical infrastructure.
These promises reflect a wider agenda of using development projects to complement security measures — an approach some analysts say is necessary to address root causes of insecurity in rural Nigeria, such as economic deprivation and isolation.
Community Reaction: Hope Mixed With Skepticism and Fear
Reactions among Kurmin Wali residents ranged from relief and appreciation to lingering anxiety. Many welcomed the governor’s physical presence and empathetic words, noting that this was the first time a sitting governor had visited the remote community following such a crisis. Tabara Katoh, President of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), described Sani’s engagement as “pragmatic and compassionate leadership,” and said it helped reassure the community amid conflicting narratives about the abduction.
However, underlying the public gratitude was a pervasive fear — fear that loved ones remain in hostile captivity, fear that bandits could strike again, and fear that promises may not translate into rapid action. Families whose relatives were taken have voiced deep concern about the lack of clear timelines for rescue and the mental anguish of uncertainty.
Some villagers pointed to years of repeated bandit attacks, displacement, and cycles of violence that have eroded confidence in security guarantees. They argue that lasting peace requires more than emergency responses; it requires sustained security presence and community empowerment.
Military and Police Mobilisation
According to separate security reports, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the deployment of tactical units, enhanced patrols, and intelligence-driven search-and-rescue operations in the Kajuru forest corridors.
These efforts, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other national security agencies, aim not only to track the whereabouts of those abducted but also to dismantle bandit camps believed to be spread across neighbouring forest belts. Community leaders say actionable intelligence from escapees has helped guide operations, though terrain and poor road access continue to hinder rapid deployment.
Complications in Negotiations: Demands for Motorcycles
In an unconventional twist to the crisis, negotiators revealed that the abductors have yet to formally request traditional ransom payments in cash. Instead, they reportedly made a preliminary demand for the return or compensation for 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during military operations. Each motorcycle, according to negotiations, was valued at N1.7 million, placing this preliminary demand at around N28.9 million — separate from any ransom for the captives themselves.
This unusual condition has drawn widespread attention and complicated negotiations, prompting community members to question the motives behind this demand and adding an additional burden to an already traumatized population.
The Broader Security Landscape in Southern Kaduna
The Kurmin Wali abduction is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has plagued Southern Kaduna and other parts of northern Nigeria for years. Vast forested areas, porous borders, limited infrastructure, and weak law enforcement presence have allowed criminal groups — often referred to locally as “bandits” — to operate with relative impunity.
These groups have been responsible for mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, arson attacks, and highway ambushes, frequently targeting civilians irrespective of religious affiliation. Despite sustained security interventions by federal and state governments, such threats have persisted, fuelling cycles of violence and displacement that affect farming communities, small settlements, and travel routes alike.
Religious, Civil Society, and International Responses
The Kurmin Wali incident has drawn significant reactions beyond Kaduna State. Religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and local advocacy groups, have condemned the abductions and called for decisive action by authorities. Civil society groups have also criticised earlier official reluctance to confirm the incident, seeing it as counterproductive to public trust and crisis management.
Internationally, partners and observers have expressed concern over trends of religiously targeted violence and mass kidnappings across Nigeria, urging a balance between robust security operations and protection of fundamental human rights.
The Road Ahead: Rescue, Reconstruction, and Reassurance
As Kaduna State continues its search and rescue efforts, residents of Kurmin Wali remain in anxious wait, hoping for the swift and safe return of their loved ones. The governor’s visit has provided a measure of reassurance, but the reality on the ground — marked by deep forests, rugged terrain, uncertain captor motives, and logistical challenges — is sobering.
To break the cycle of violence and restore confidence, experts and community advocates say a multi-pronged approach is essential: improved road infrastructure, stronger community policing, enhanced early-warning systems, socio-economic investments, and deeper collaboration between security forces and local leaders.
The people of Kurmin Wali, like many rural communities in Nigeria, are waiting not just for the release of those taken, but for a future where such tragedies become less frequent — and less possible.
Breaking Security News
Ijaw Youths Warn Tinubu Over Coastal Highway Route, Say South-South Support Could Suffer
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned President Bola Tinubu that changing the original route of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could undermine his administration’s support across Nigeria’s South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council urged the Federal Government to retain the highway’s original coastal alignment, arguing that diverting sections of the project towards the existing East-West Road could exclude communities in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states from its anticipated benefits.
The warning was issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a press conference at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The IYC’s 10-member National Executive Committee, led by its president, Dr Doubra Okotete, expressed concern over statements attributed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding a possible change to the highway’s route.
Ijaw Youths Demand Original Highway Route
The council maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway should follow its original 750-kilometre coastal corridor, which it said was approved by the Federal Executive Council.
According to the IYC, diverting the route towards the East-West Road could undermine the project’s original objective of improving connectivity and stimulating economic development in coastal communities.
The group insisted that the coastal highway and the East-West Road serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable projects.
It called on Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to preserve the approved alignment and ensure that construction progresses along the Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers sections.
The council also demanded the public release of the approved engineering designs and drawings for the entire highway corridor.
In addition, it urged the Federal Government to direct the project’s contractor to commence work immediately on the affected sections in the South-South.
Council Cites Niger Delta Road Projects
To support its position, the IYC pointed to road and bridge projects in the Niger Delta that it said demonstrated the possibility of constructing major infrastructure across difficult terrain.
The projects cited included the Trans-Kalabari Road in Rivers State, the Port Harcourt-Okrika Road, the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, the Bonny Ring Road and the Gbaregolor-Ogolaha Road in Delta State.
The council argued that engineering challenges should not automatically justify changing the highway’s route or excluding communities that were expected to benefit from the project.
It also criticised comments attributed to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who reportedly questioned the feasibility and cost of continuing with the original coastal alignment.
The IYC offered to sponsor a visit by Duke to Bayelsa and other South-South states to inspect road and bridge projects that it said demonstrated the feasibility of infrastructure development in challenging environments.
Tinubu Faces Political Warning Ahead of 2027
The council warned that diverting the coastal highway could affect public confidence in Tinubu’s administration across the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It argued that residents of the oil-producing region expected major infrastructure investments to accompany the Federal Government’s development commitments.
The IYC also referred to the political realignments involving Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, all of whom have been associated with moves towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the council, these developments had raised expectations that the region would receive greater attention in federal infrastructure planning.
The group warned that changing the highway’s route could weaken support for the President if communities believed they were being denied the project’s promised benefits.
However, the council’s warning represents its position on the issue and does not establish how voters across the South-South will respond in 2027.
Federal Government Defends Coastal Highway Project
The controversy follows recent statements by Umahi, who has maintained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has not been abandoned.
According to reports, the minister said the government intended to undertake additional reconstruction work on approximately 400 kilometres of the East-West Road while continuing the coastal highway project.
Umahi has cited engineering difficulties, flooding risks and challenging ground conditions among the considerations affecting sections of the route.
The government’s position has been that work on the coastal highway is continuing, although questions remain about how the final alignment will affect some communities in the Niger Delta.
The disagreement has prompted calls from regional groups and other stakeholders for greater transparency regarding the approved route, engineering plans and the project’s expected economic benefits.
The IYC acknowledged that a clarification had been issued concerning the highway but said it remained unconvinced that the concerns of affected communities had been adequately addressed.
Council Calls for Urgent Presidential Intervention
The Ijaw Youth Council urged Tinubu to intervene directly and ensure that the highway follows its original coastal corridor.
It maintained that communities in the South-South should not be excluded from major federal infrastructure projects because of regional differences or construction challenges.
The council also called for simultaneous construction across the different sections to accelerate delivery and reassure residents that the original project objectives remained intact.
The dispute over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has become a wider debate about infrastructure planning, regional development and the distribution of economic opportunities across Nigeria’s southern coastline.
As discussions continue, the final route and the government’s response to the concerns raised by the IYC are likely to remain important issues for communities affected by the project.
Breaking Security News
Senate Orders Probe Into NYSC Member’s Death at Enugu Camp, Healthcare Nationwide
The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Enugu State orientation camp amid concerns over medical care and emergency response services at NYSC camps across the country.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and a review of healthcare services available to corps members nationwide.
The Senate also directed relevant committees to examine the condition of medical facilities, the availability of qualified healthcare personnel and emergency referral procedures at orientation camps.
According to reports, Daniel, the immediate past president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Akwa Ibom State University, died after reportedly complaining of a headache while participating in the national service programme in Enugu.
Senate Seeks Answers Over Alleged Medical Delays
Concerns surrounding Daniel’s death emerged after allegations that he did not receive timely and adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had earlier raised the alarm over the incident.
According to the association’s president, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, Daniel reportedly complained of a headache and was given medication at the camp clinic. His condition allegedly deteriorated afterwards.
Afeez further claimed that Daniel requested to be taken to a hospital but died before arrangements for his transfer could be completed.
The NANS president also alleged that a doctor subsequently identified the medication administered to Daniel as fake.
These claims have not been presented here as established findings, and the circumstances surrounding the corps member’s death remain subject to investigation.
Committees to Investigate NYSC Healthcare Facilities
Following the adoption of the motion, the Senate directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the matter.
The committees are expected to work with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of the inquiry.
The investigation will examine the events leading to Daniel’s death and assess whether any failures in medical treatment, emergency response or referral procedures contributed to the incident.
Lawmakers also expressed concern about the adequacy of healthcare facilities at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of trained medical personnel and arrangements for transferring corps members to hospitals during emergencies.
Senators stressed that young Nigerians participating in the national service programme should have access to prompt and appropriate medical care.
Senators Call for Measures to Prevent Future Deaths
During deliberations, lawmakers said Daniel’s death had raised broader questions about the quality of healthcare available to graduates deployed to orientation camps far from their families.
Senator Bassey called for urgent action to establish the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen safeguards for corps members.
Other lawmakers also urged the relevant committees to recommend practical measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Senate subsequently observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
Investigation Expected to Address Wider Concerns
Daniel’s death has renewed public attention on the medical facilities and emergency response arrangements available at NYSC orientation camps nationwide.
The outcome of the Senate’s investigation could help identify weaknesses in existing healthcare arrangements and determine what changes may be needed to improve the safety and welfare of corps members.
For now, the allegations surrounding the treatment Daniel received remain subject to investigation. The Senate’s inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances of his death and determine whether any lapses occurred.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to send a high-level delegation to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections to support efforts to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Frank made the appeal in an open letter titled “No Mandate From Fraud: Election 2027,” dated October 13, 2026.
In the letter, the former APC spokesman urged the US government to engage Nigerian political leaders, electoral authorities and relevant institutions before the elections, rather than waiting until disputes emerge after voting.
He argued that early international engagement could help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and encourage political stakeholders to respect democratic principles.
According to Frank, credible elections are essential for accountable leadership, national stability and economic development.
Timi Frank Calls for US Engagement Ahead of 2027 Polls
Frank urged the Trump administration to consider deploying a senior delegation to Nigeria to engage with political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders.
He said discussions should begin well before election day to establish clear expectations for the conduct of the polls and encourage electoral institutions to perform their duties without political interference.
“The time to act is before the elections, not after,” Frank said in his appeal.
He maintained that international partners could support Nigeria’s democratic process by encouraging transparency, accountability and compliance with electoral laws.
However, he acknowledged that the primary responsibility for conducting credible elections rests with Nigerian institutions.
APC Chieftain Raises Concerns Over INEC
The former APC official also expressed concern about public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Frank argued that trust in the electoral body would be critical to ensuring that Nigerians accept the outcome of the 2027 elections.
He urged electoral officials to demonstrate impartiality and ensure that political parties and candidates are treated fairly throughout the electoral process.
He also called on the relevant institutions to address allegations of electoral misconduct and ensure that those found responsible for violations are held accountable in accordance with the law.
Frank’s appeal comes as political parties and other stakeholders intensify preparations for the next general elections.
Frank Calls for Accountability Over Electoral Offences
Beyond requesting a US delegation, Frank urged Washington to consider targeted sanctions against electoral officials, judicial officers and security personnel found responsible for manipulating elections.
The proposed measures include visa restrictions, asset freezes and financial restrictions against individuals established to have engaged in electoral misconduct.
He argued that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation, official position or influence.
Frank also called for cooperation between the United States and other international partners to promote democratic standards and discourage actions capable of undermining the credibility of elections.
His proposal places particular emphasis on preventing electoral malpractice before it occurs rather than relying solely on litigation and other remedies after election results have been announced.
Security Agencies and Judiciary Also Under Focus
Frank highlighted the roles of security agencies and the judiciary in ensuring credible elections.
He said security personnel should protect voters, electoral officials and election materials without favouring any political party or candidate.
He also stressed that judicial officers must handle election-related disputes professionally and in accordance with the law.
According to him, the conduct of these institutions could influence public confidence in the electoral process and citizens’ willingness to participate in elections.
Frank urged the relevant authorities to demonstrate independence and professionalism throughout the election period.
Frank Links Credible Elections to Nigeria’s Development
The former APC chieftain also connected electoral integrity to Nigeria’s wider economic and governance challenges.
He argued that credible elections could help strengthen public accountability and improve confidence in government institutions.
Frank further called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in areas including security, energy development and economic partnerships.
He maintained that international engagement on electoral matters should complement broader diplomatic relations between both countries.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major political event, with political parties preparing for contests across the country.
Although Frank has called for greater US involvement, the responsibility for organising and conducting Nigeria’s elections remains with the country’s constitutionally established institutions.
His proposal adds to ongoing discussions about electoral reform, institutional independence and the role international partners can play in supporting democratic processes.
As preparations continue, the actions of INEC, political parties, security agencies and other relevant institutions will remain central to public confidence in the elections.
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