Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has renewed calls for citizens to actively support security efforts by providing actionable intelligence that can lead to the arrest and elimination of bandits terrorising communities across the state.
Speaking during a mid-term briefing to mark his second year in office, Governor Radda emphasised that the war against insecurity cannot be won by government alone and urged residents to collaborate closely with authorities.
“We will continue our policy of supporting victims rather than paying ransoms to bandits,” he said. “But we need communities to work with the authorities and provide information that will lead to the arrest or termination of these criminals.”
Radda noted that upon assuming office, 26 of the 34 local government areas in Katsina were affected by banditry and other forms of insecurity.
“It was one of our major campaign promises to tackle insecurity head-on. We have committed all necessary resources to that cause,” he said.
The governor highlighted the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps as a key intervention, describing it as a model that has inspired similar initiatives in other states.
“We did not waste any time in passing the law and setting up the community-driven security outfit,” he added.
While acknowledging the progress made, Governor Radda, however, acknowledged that more work lay ahead.
“We have made significant gains, but much more must be done to eradicate banditry. We continue to work with the Federal Government and the military to bring an end to this menace,” he said.
Beyond security operations, Radda said his administration was addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment, by investing heavily in agriculture, enterprise development, and healthcare.
He cited the launch of institutions like the Katsina State Development Management Board and the Enterprise Development Agency as part of a broader strategy to create opportunities and foster stability.
He also mentioned the administration’s achievements in clearing pension backlogs, recruiting healthcare workers, and modernising the state’s agricultural sector. However, he reiterated that none of these gains can be sustained without peace and stability.
On economic development, Radda highlighted support for small businesses through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency.
He also unveiled agricultural investments, including the procurement of over 400 tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems aimed at transforming Katsina into a net exporter of processed agricultural products.
