Tears flowed freely on Thursday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna as survivors of the Kurmin Wali church abduction in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, shared painful memories of their time in captivity.
The 183 rescued victims, most of them women and children, were formally received by Governor Uba Sani after regaining freedom from the forest where they had been held for weeks. Their release followed a joint security effort involving the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
For many survivors, the ceremony marked more than a reunion with society; it was a reminder of how close they came to death. One of the victims, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, revealed that the abductees were forced to walk for six days through dense forest terrain immediately after being taken.
“We trekked from Kurmin Wali into the forest for six days,” the victim said in a trembling voice. “They kept us by a riverbank and fed us with pap made from maize.”
According to the survivor, food was scarce, drinking water was unsafe and basic human dignity was completely stripped away.
“We slept by the riverbank. Some of us did not take our bath for about two weeks,” the victim added.
The harsh living conditions were compounded by the cruelty meted out to helpless children, many of whom could not withstand the trauma of captivity.
“They flogged us, including our children, especially whenever the children cried,” the victim said. “Sometimes the children cried out of hunger and fear.”
According to another victim, the constant threat of violence kept everyone silent and terrified.
“We were always afraid. Once a child started crying, everyone became scared because we knew what would follow,” the victim said
One emotional moment came when a survivor broke down while speaking directly to the governor, saying they had completely given up hope of surviving.
The victims expressed deep gratitude to Governor Sani for his role in their rescue, with one offering prayers for his future leadership.
“You gave us hope when we had none. You are the father to the fatherless. You gave us what we never expected,” the victim said.
In a moment that drew applause and sobs from the audience, the victim prayed for the governor’s political future.
“May God lift you from being governor to becoming president in the name of Jesus,” the survivor said. “You gave us hope when we had none. You are the father to the fatherless. You gave us what we never expected,” the victim said.
In a moment that drew applause and sobs from the audience, the victim prayed for the governor’s political future.
“May God lift you from being governor to becoming president in the name of Jesus,” the survivor said.
In response, the governor reassured them of the government’s commitment to their recovery, promising continued medical care, trauma counselling, and support to help them rebuild their lives.
