Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has restated his administration’s firm stance against paying ransom to criminals, despite the security challenges facing the state. The governor made this known during an interview on BBC Pidgin, where he addressed concerns over recent attacks and abductions in parts of Kaduna.

Governor Sani spoke while reacting to the abduction of over 100 worshippers from three churches last Sunday by suspected bandits. He said his government remains focused on lawful and strategic responses to insecurity, stressing that ransom payments only encourage more crimes. According to him, refusing to pay ransom is a clear policy his administration will not compromise.

The governor explained that his background as a civil rights activist shaped his beliefs in justice and human dignity. He revealed that immediately after the incident, he engaged key security authorities, including meetings with the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence in Abuja, to ensure swift action toward rescuing the victims.

Governor Sani assured residents that the state government would take full responsibility for the welfare of the abducted persons once released. He said arrangements have been made to cover medical care, welfare support, and psychosocial treatment, adding that his priority remains the safe return and recovery of all victims.