Kurmin Wali abduction survivors recount ordeal as Kaduna governor receives them

Survivors of the mass abduction in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have shared the hardships they endured while held captive.

Speaking separately in Kaduna, they said they survived by mixing raw flour with water and sleeping in the open forest for weeks.

The victims spoke to journalists on Thursday after Governor Uba Sani received them at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

One female survivor, holding her baby and requesting anonymity, said the abductors only fed them four times during their captivity.

“They fed us with raw corn flour just four times. We mixed it with water to have something in our stomach,” she said.

She added that the abductors seized their phones and constantly threatened them.
“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.

Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State and elders from Kurmin Wali also delivered goodwill messages to the victims.

Governor Uba Sani described the reunion as a day of joy and thanksgiving, emphasising that security remains a top priority for his administration.
“When this unfortunate incident occurred, we immediately mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of our people,” he said.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, 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 added.

The governor said 183 people were abducted during the attack. Eleven were released earlier and hospitalised, 83 regained freedom a few days ago, and the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday.

Governor Sani also revealed that the state government has requested a military base along the Kajuru–Kachia axis, near Regina along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor.

He said President Tinubu has assured him that the request will be approved.

Kurmin Wali abduction survivors recount ordeal as Kaduna governor receives them