Governor Bello Matawalle has said that his administration has secured the release of over 1000 captives without paying ransom.
Matawalle who said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, stated that his approach of dialogue has ensured the return of some people who fled their homes due to attacks.
He further averred that he believes that if other governors adopt dialogue, criminality will be reduced in Nigeria.
The Governor said;
“We have also secured the release of 1,000 captives without paying any ransom. We equally received over 300 sophisticated weapons surrendered by bandits and their leaders.
“To me, as a leader, I cannot fold my arms seeing my people killed every day. I have to initiate anything I know I can to be able to make my people sleep with their both eyes closed.
“That’s why I have to initiate that dialoguing with these people. And I believe that by the time all governors come together and agree on doing so, we can be able to secure our country.”
Governor Matawalle who disclosed that he does not support the payment of money to kidnappers and other criminals, reiterated that the abductors of Kagara schoolboys were not paid any ransom.
He said;
“I have said it earlier, nothing has been paid to them.
“If you are giving them money, they can use the same money to acquire more weapons which I believe we cannot do. These people, they can listen and you can discuss with them.”