Insecurity Persists in Katsina State, Nigeria, Despite Ongoing Efforts
Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, Nigeria, has revealed that 26 out of the state’s 34 local government areas are still plagued by insecurity, despite the government’s efforts to tackle banditry and other violent crimes. This challenges the state’s progress, as the governor had hoped to make more significant strides in restoring peace and order.
During a mid-term briefing marking his second year in office, Governor Radda expressed his concerns about the widespread insecurity that his administration inherited. He stated, “When we assumed office, 26 LGAs were affected by banditry and other forms of insecurity. That situation is still challenging, and while we’ve made progress, we are not yet where we need to be.” The governor emphasized that the fight against insecurity is a top priority for his administration, which has committed substantial resources to addressing the issue.
Governor Radda stressed the need for a joint effort between the government and citizens to combat insecurity. He said, “We cannot win this war alone. We need communities to work with the authorities and provide actionable intelligence that will lead to the arrest or termination of these criminals.” The governor also highlighted the importance of supporting victims of bandit attacks rather than paying ransoms, which can perpetuate the cycle of violence.
As part of the state’s strategy, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps was established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies. Governor Radda praised this initiative, saying, “We didn’t waste any time in setting up the Community Watch Corps. It is a homegrown solution that is now being replicated in other states.” The governor acknowledged the efforts of the military and federal government but emphasized that more work lies ahead.
The state government is also addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and youth unemployment, by investing in agriculture, enterprise development, and healthcare. Governor Radda explained, “Our investments in these areas are aimed at reducing the vulnerabilities that bandits exploit.” He reiterated that peace and stability are essential for sustaining these gains and ensuring the well-being of the state’s citizens. Despite the challenges, the governor remains committed to his goal of freeing every local government area in Katsina from the grip of bandits.