Survivors of the mass abduction in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have recounted the hardship they endured in captivity, saying they survived on raw flour mixed with water and slept in the open forest for weeks.
The victims shared their experiences in separate interviews with journalists today after Governor Uba Sani received them at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, reports Vanguard.
One female survivor, who spoke while holding her baby and requested anonymity, said the abductors fed them only four times during their stay in the forest.
“They fed us with raw corn flour just four times. We mixed it with water to have something in our stomach,” she said.
“We slept in the open and were sometimes relieved when the wind blew because it helped keep mosquitoes away.”
She added that their phones were seized and they were constantly threatened by the abductors.
“My worst moment was when they flogged my husband and other men. We cried and feared for their lives, but I thank God that we were rescued alive,” she said, expressing gratitude for her freedom.
Another survivor, a male who also requested anonymity, thanked the Kaduna State government, the military and other security agencies for securing their release.
“We really suffered in captivity, but it is comforting that the government has promised improved security presence, better roads and other infrastructure in our community,” he said.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State and elders from Kurmin Wali community.
Addressing the rescued victims, Governor Uba Sani described the occasion as a day of joy and thanksgiving, stressing that security remains the top priority of his administration.
“When this unfortunate incident occurred, we immediately mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of our people,” the governor said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security agencies for their support.
“For us, even one abducted person is unacceptable. That is why we refused to politicise the situation. Our sole focus was to ensure that every single person returned safely,” Sani stated.
Providing details, the governor said a total of 183 persons were abducted during the attack. Eleven were released earlier and hospitalised, 83 regained freedom days ago, while the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday.
“Altogether, the number is 183. We would not be sitting here today if even one person was still missing,” he said.
Governor Sani disclosed that the state government has requested the establishment of a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly near the Regina area along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor, adding that President Tinubu has assured him that the request will be approved.
He also announced the ongoing construction of a road linking Kurmin Wali to the main highway, as well as plans to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre to support the largely farming community.
According to him, the victims will undergo medical examinations and psychosocial support before returning home, while the state government will assist them in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Kurmin Wali village was thrown into panic when armed attackers stormed the community and abducted a large number of residents, many of them worshippers, in one of the most alarming security incidents recorded in Kajuru in recent times.
With all 183 abductees now confirmed freed, the state government said attention would shift to strengthening security in vulnerable communities and preventing future incidents along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor, a long-standing security flashpoint.
