Kaduna Govt Hands Over 204 Kidnap Survivors To Families

Kaduna State Government has handed over 204 kidnap survivors to their Local Government Chairmen to be reunited with their families.

Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani, performed the handover at the State Shelter Home on Katuru Road, Kaduna, on Thursday.

The survivors, predominantly from Tudun Wali in Kajuru LGA and others from Chikun, Igabi, and Kachia, have undergone comprehensive medical and psychosocial care.

Dr Balarabe expressed delight at seeing the survivors return to their communities and assured them of sustained government support as they reunite with their families and resume their normal lives.

Among the kidnapped survivors were the freed Kurmin Wali worshippers in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state who were abducted on 18th January, 2026.

They spent 18 days in captivity before regaining freedom.

Recall that suspected bandits attacked the Kurmin Wali community, whisked away 183 worshippers from the three churches, Cherubim and Seraphim 1 and 2, as well as Evangelical church Winning All (ECWA) in the area.

Governor Uba Sani had noted that 11 worshippers escaped, returned home and were treated, while 83 of the worshippers who deserted the community were later found and returned.

The governor stated that the remaining 89 kidnapped worshippers were released recently by the bandits.

Governor Sani had said that the government would not send the victims home immediately, as they would undergo thorough medical examinations and comprehensive psychosocial care in Kaduna before being handed over to their families.

Present at the handover were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Liman Kila; the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Rabi Salisu; the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Suleh Shuaibu (SAN); and other government officials. Local government chairmen of Kajuru, Dauda Madaki; Igabi, Sani Abdulahi Zangon Aya; and Chikun, Salasi Musa, as well as the Vice Chairman of Kachia, received the survivors.