Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has entered into peace agreement with bandits, citing his high premium for security of lives and property of residents of the state as reason for his action.
According to him, his priority is to preserve lives and ensure peace and safety of all residents.
Gov. Sani who spoke during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored on Monday, said whatever needed to be done to achieve peace and stability in the state should not be considered too much.
He explained that the decision to strike a peace deal with the bandits was not taken rashly but after about six months of dialogue.
The Governor also dismissed insinuations that money was paid to the bandits by the State Government.
He said that no payments were made by his administration to any terrorists.
Gov. Sani said: “We did not offer them any money. Not even one Naira was given to them. Our priority is to ensure that our people are safe and that there is peace in the state,” he said.
He added that the peace pact was facilitated with the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, who played a vital role during the six months of discreet negotiations.
Gov. Sani disclosed that one of the preconditions for reconciliation was the release of all captives held by the terrorists, which resulted in the freedom of approximately 200 individuals.
He said the peace deal had already started yielding positive results.
“We are committed to ensuring that the peace pact holds. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the state.
“As a governor, I took an oath to protect the lives and property of our citizens. If entering into a peace pact with terrorists will save even one life, then it is a decision worth taking.”
