Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cautioned politicians against politicising security issues in the name of opposition, warning that their actions are endangering innocent lives.
Speaking at the weekend, the governor vowed to take decisive action against individuals who, he said, thrive on escalating insecurity to advance their political ambitions.
He made these remarks at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House while receiving 58 kidnapped victims who were rescued by security forces and handed over to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Governor Sani stated, “The merchants of insecurity will not be happy with the release of these innocent souls because they are benefiting from insecurity.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the people of Kaduna State, highlighting the strides made in combating insecurity.
“As an elected governor, I swore to protect the lives and property of the people of Kaduna State, and we have been doing our best to fulfil this obligation,” he said.
He credited the Kaduna Peace Model, which prioritises a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity, for restoring peace to Birnin Gwari, an area previously plagued by banditry.
“Through our Kaduna Peace Model, which emphasises the use of a non-kinetic approach, Birnin Gwari, which used to be ‘a no-go area’ for most people, has become peaceful.
“Bandits have laid down their arms, and markets that had been closed for over 10 years have now reopened. Business activities are thriving in Birnin Gwari and parts of Giwa Local Government, which was previously ravaged by insecurity,” he added.
Governor Sani assured residents of Kauru, Kajuru, and parts of Kachia, who are still experiencing bandit attacks, that they would soon enjoy improved security.
“The people of Kauru, Kajuru, and parts of Kachia will soon be sleeping with their two eyes closed because security forces are on top of the situation,” he promised.
According to him, the success of the non-kinetic approach has frustrated individuals who do not prioritise the welfare of the people.
“The success that the non-kinetic approach has yielded is a source of anger to most people who don’t have the welfare or wellbeing of our people at heart. They only go on social media to express their anger.”
Governor Sani expressed his indifference to political opponents criticising him on social media but warned against those who spread falsehoods and politicise insecurity.
“I do not mind if political opponents insult me on social media, but I will deal with those whose pastime is to spread lies and politicise insecurity in Kaduna State,” he declared.
“Politicising insecurity is not opposition, and those elites who are doing so on social media don’t really care about the masses. They are just posting messages to further their political interests,” he added.
The governor recounted how the 59 rescued kidnapped victims received psycho-social therapy and treatment from the Kaduna State Government for 11 days. He added that one of the victims was still receiving medical attention.
He pledged that his administration would support the victims in rebuilding their lives, including providing grants to help them restart their businesses and farming activities.
Speaking on behalf of the freed victims, Pastor Danlami Mutane expressed appreciation for the government’s support and commended the National Security Adviser for facilitating their release.
Similarly, Malama Raliya Ibrahim thanked Governor Uba Sani and the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, for their assistance.
