Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has defended his administration’s controversial peace deal with bandits, emphasizing that the move prioritizes the safety and well-being of the state’s residents.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service on Monday, Sani clarified that the agreement followed six months of negotiations and did not involve any monetary payments to the bandits.
“We did not give them even one Naira. Our focus is on safeguarding lives and ensuring peace in Kaduna State,” the governor stated.
The peace initiative was brokered with the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, resulting in the release of approximately 200 captives held by the bandits. Sani noted that this was a key precondition for the dialogue.
“We are committed to ensuring that the peace pact holds and will continue working with stakeholders to maintain stability in the state,” he added.
While the initiative has faced criticism from some quarters as a perceived sign of government weakness, Sani stood firm, asserting that his primary responsibility as governor is to protect lives.
“If entering into a peace pact with bandits will save even one life, it is a decision worth making,” he said.
The peace deal is part of broader efforts to address the insecurity that has plagued Kaduna and other parts of northern Nigeria.