Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has issued a stern warning to politicians who politicize security issues in the state, urging them to stop jeopardising the safety of citizens for political gain.

Governor Sani expressed his concerns on Sunday, asserting that the actions of these politicians, who use insecurity as a means to further their political agenda, are putting innocent lives at risk.

“The antics of such politicians are jeopardising the lives of innocent people,” he said.

Speaking at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of Kaduna’s residents and vowed to take action against those fueling insecurity for personal or political benefits.

“I will deal with politicians who derive joy from escalating insecurity to achieve their political goals,” he declared.

During the event, Governor Sani also welcomed 59 kidnapped victims who were released by security forces. These victims had been handed over to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and received a warm reception from the Governor.

Reflecting on the release, Sani said, “The merchants of insecurity will not be happy with the release of these innocent souls because they are benefiting from insecurity.”

Sani emphasized that his role as governor, sworn to protect the lives and property of the people, has been a guiding principle for his administration. He proudly pointed to the success of the Kaduna Peace Model, which utilizes a non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding.

He said, “Birnin Gwari, which used to be a no-go area, has become peaceful,” he said, noting that markets closed for over a decade had reopened, and business activities in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas are now thriving.

Governor Sani assured residents of Kauru, Kajuru, and parts of Kachia, which are still affected by occasional bandit attacks, that they would soon experience improved security. “They will soon be sleeping with their two eyes closed because security forces are on top of the situation,” he promised.

The governor criticized those who opposed his administration’s peace initiatives, stating that the success of the non-kinetic approach has angered some individuals with ulterior motives. “The success that this approach has yielded is a source of anger to many who don’t care about the welfare of the people. They just express their anger on social media,” Sani said

Governor Sani made it clear that he would not be deterred by online insults from political opponents but would take strong action against those who spread lies and politicize insecurity for personal gain. “Politicizing insecurity is not opposition. Those doing this on social media don’t care about the masses. They are simply advancing their own political interests,” he asserted.

The governor also took a moment to acknowledge the support given to the 59 kidnapped victims, who were provided with psycho-social therapy and treatment for 11 days. One of the victims is still undergoing treatment. Sani pledged that his administration would continue to assist the victims in rebuilding their lives, offering grants to help them resume their businesses and farming activities.

Pastor Danlami Mutane, who was present at the event, expressed gratitude to the government for its care and attention to the victims, also thanking the National Security Adviser for facilitating their release.

Similarly, Malama Raliya Ibrahim praised Governor Sani and the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, for their support and commitment to helping the victims.