Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has denied giving any money to bandits. He said it is impossible to claim to stand for justice and still support criminals who harm innocent people.
During an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Sani explained that his administration is focused on helping those affected by attacks, not rewarding those responsible for the violence.
He pointed out that insecurity in the North-West differs from the North-East. While Boko Haram operates based on religious beliefs, the crisis in the North-West is largely caused by poverty and economic challenges.
Sani addressed earlier accusations that he was planning to pay off bandits. He dismissed those claims, saying they do not align with his history of fighting for justice and protecting the poor.
He explained that solving insecurity requires understanding its true cause. In his view, using only force won’t work in the North-West because the main issue is poverty, not ideology.
He said many people had doubts about his approach when he assumed office. Some even claimed he was negotiating with bandits. However, he made it clear that he would never sit down with criminals or give them any reward.
Recently, Sani launched a new initiative that provides housing for victims of insurgency. He said this move surprised those who expected him to work with bandits. He emphasized that his government hasn’t given them a single naira but has focused on helping the people affected by their actions.
