Kaduna Rescue Complete: 183 Survivors Detail Captivity Horrors as Gov Sani Pledges Community Rebuilding

The Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna was filled with emotion on Thursday as 183 survivors of the Kurmin Wali church abduction finally returned home, recounting weeks defined by terror, starvation, and physical abuse. Governor Uba Sani formally received the group, which consisted primarily of women and children, following a successful rescue mission coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services. For those who made it out, the reception was a bittersweet milestone that underscored their narrow escape from death after being held in the forest for nearly three weeks.

One survivor detailed the primitive and degrading conditions of their captivity, explaining that after the initial six-day forced march, they were held at a riverbank and fed nothing but a thin maize-based gruel. According to their account, the bandits provided no clean drinking water, forcing the victims to endure weeks without basic hygiene or sanitation. The survivor noted that many in the group went nearly two weeks without bathing, as their captors stripped away every remnant of human dignity while keeping them exposed to the elements by the water’s edge.

The survivors recounted how their suffering was intensified by the constant threat of violence directed even at the youngest among them. They described a climate of terror where bandits would ruthlessly flog both adults and children, often punishing the little ones simply for crying out in hunger or exhaustion. This created a cycle of fear within the group, as the sound of a sobbing child became a terrifying signal that a fresh round of abuse was imminent.

The atmosphere at the Government House turned deeply emotional when one survivor, overwhelmed by the memory of the ordeal, wept while addressing Governor Sani directly. The victim confessed that the group had entirely abandoned hope of survival, fully expecting to perish in the forest. In a final moment of gratitude, the survivor credited the Governor’s intervention as the lifeline that ultimately restored their faith and brought them back from the brink of death.

In a moving tribute that stirred both applause and tears from the audience, one survivor hailed Governor Sani as a “father to the fatherless,” crediting his intervention with providing a miracle they never expected. Overwhelmed by the rescue, the survivor offered a fervent prayer for the Governor’s political trajectory, asking that he eventually rise from the state house to the presidency.

Responding to the survivors, Governor Sani characterized the occasion as a day of immense joy, praising the seamless cooperation between various levels of government and security forces. He specifically extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that their steadfast commitment was instrumental in securing the safe return of the women and children.

Governor Sani extended his appreciation to the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security partners for their tireless efforts in the operation. He confirmed that the rescue mission was complete, with all 183 abductees successfully recovered. Providing a breakdown of the process, the Governor explained that an initial group of 11 were hospitalized early on, followed by 83 who returned earlier in the week, and the final 89 who were rescued just one day prior. He emphasized that the state refused to engage in political debates or media disputes over statistics, focusing solely on the safe return of every individual.

To bolster the long-term security and prosperity of the Kurmin Wali area, the Governor announced a comprehensive development plan. This includes the establishment of a military base along the Kajuru–Kachia corridor, alongside the construction of a new access road, a hospital, and a vocational training center. He described this grassroots-driven strategy—involving local leaders and security agencies—as the “Kaduna model” for effective governance. As the survivors continue to receive medical treatment, trauma counseling, and essential relief materials, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, through its Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab, has lauded the Governor’s decisive and compassionate response to the crisis.

Northern CAN joined the community of Kurmin Wali in celebrating the safe return of all the kidnapped worshippers. The association’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, specifically lauded Governor Uba Sani for his empathetic and proactive leadership, noting that the Governor fulfilled his pledge to the people by ensuring every captive was accounted for. Hayab also extended credit to the President, the National Security Adviser, and the various security agencies, describing the successful outcome as a victory for inter-agency collaboration and community resilience. Moving forward, Northern CAN pledged to continue partnering with the government to protect religious spaces and urged citizens to stay alert.

This resolution comes weeks after the initial attack on January 18, 2026, when bandits raided a church service in Kurmin Wali, firing indiscriminately and abducting a large group consisting mostly of women and children. While the early days of the crisis were marked by conflicting reports—with local government and police officials initially denying the scale of the incident reported by CAN—authorities officially confirmed the abduction of 183 people by January 20. At that time, Governor Sani vowed a total rescue, a promise that has now been fully realized.