I confronted religious merchants in Kaduna to achieve peace — Uba Sani

By Charles Kumolu For years, Kaduna State was synonymous with ethno-religious violence, communal distrust, and bloodshed, with successive administrations struggling to end the cycle of killings that fractured communities and undermined the state’s economic and social life. But Governor Uba Sani believes the tide has turned, insisting that the peace being experienced in the state is the product of deliberate efforts to dismantle what he calls the “merchants of ethno-religious crises,” promote inclusive governance, and address the economic conditions that fuel insecurity. From Southern Kaduna to Birnin Gwari, he says, the emphasis has been on rebuilding trust, taking development to neglected communities, and making citizens see one another as partners rather than adversaries.

In this interview with a team of editors from Vanguard Newspapers, the governor explains the thinking behind his Kaduna Model, how his administration secured the release of 222 captives in Birnin Gwari through the reopening of markets, and why he believes economic empowerment is central to sustainable peace. He also responds to allegations of intolerance toward opposition politicians, speaks on the role of political elites in exploiting ethnic and religious divisions, and outlines his administration’s efforts to reposition Kaduna through agriculture, rural roads, transportation, and sports infrastructure. In Rivers State’s history, it was once known as Rivers of Blood. About 10 years ago, Kaduna was known as a state of blood, crisis, and bloodshed. How were you able to restore peace, especially in Southern Kaduna? When we came in, the first thing we looked at was recognising the fact that our state is the most diverse state in Nigeria. Of course, I agree with you that the number of lives we lost in…