Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has firmly declared that his administration has not and will never pay bandits, insisting such actions contradict his principles and commitment to justice.
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Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, the governor dismissed allegations of negotiating with or compensating criminal groups. He said his focus has been on supporting victims of banditry through rehabilitation efforts, including the construction of houses for displaced families in affected communities.
Governor Sani emphasized that aiding victims, rather than rewarding perpetrators, is central to his administration’s approach to tackling insecurity in the state.
Reacting to critics, he described the accusations as unfounded and contrary to his long-standing advocacy for justice and support for the vulnerable. He stressed that anyone familiar with his track record would understand that engaging in deals with bandits is not part of his leadership style.
The governor also pointed out that insecurity in the North-West is largely fueled by poverty and economic hardship, unlike the ideological extremism seen in the North-East. He called for a comprehensive approach that combines security operations with economic and social interventions.
