Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has said that no one can claim to champion justice or advocate for the poor while simultaneously funding or negotiating with bandits.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Sani stated that his administration is focused on supporting victims of violence rather than compensating the perpetrators.

He explained that the insecurity ravaging the North-West is largely driven by economic hardship, in contrast to the ideological motivations behind Boko Haram’s insurgency in the North-East.

Addressing previous allegations that he was planning to pay off bandits, the governor dismissed the claims as unfounded and contrary to everything he stands for.

“When dealing with security, we must first analyse the root causes and drivers of the crisis. While Boko Haram is clearly ideological, the North-West insurgency is largely economic,” he said. “When I assumed office, people accused me of planning to pay bandits. But I made it clear—a man who has always fought for justice and the downtrodden cannot sit with bandits and pay them.”

Sani revealed that his government has instead invested in rehabilitation efforts for victims of violence.

“Just two weeks ago, I launched a programme where we handed over newly built homes to victims of insurgency,” he added. “I haven’t given one naira to any bandit. But I have provided shelter and support to those they’ve harmed.”