Katsina: Governor Radda Reflects on Insecurity Challenges, Advocates for State Police
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, during a press briefing on Wednesday, shared his heartfelt anguish over the recurring bandit attacks plaguing communities in the state. Reflecting on his one-year tenure in office, Governor Radda expressed profound sorrow whenever he received distressing calls informing him of bandit incursions resulting in loss of lives, property, and the brutalization of women.
“My saddest moment is when I received calls that people were killed, houses burned, and women raped by bandits in a particular village,” Governor Radda lamented, underscoring the personal resonance of these tragedies, having lost his own brother to bandit violence, leaving behind a shattered family.
Upon assuming office, Governor Radda faced the daunting task of addressing widespread insecurity, with 22 out of the 34 local governments reeling under its grip. Initiating the community security watch corps, the government made significant strides in curbing the menace, although challenges persist, especially with bandits now targeting remote areas under the cloak of night.
Advocating for the establishment of state police, Governor Radda acknowledged a shift in his stance, recognising the critical role such a force could play in combating insecurity. He highlighted the detrimental influence of individuals within communities colluding with criminals, citing a village head arrested for aiding bandit attacks in exchange for monetary gain.
Governor Radda emphasised the pivotal role of technology in augmenting security efforts and vowed to sustain a merit-based approach to governance, eschewing favoritism and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
Notably, the government’s commitment to uplifting the less privileged was underscored by initiatives like granting foreign scholarships to over 40 deserving students from impoverished backgrounds and the recruitment of 7,000 teachers solely based on merit.
Concluding his address, Governor Radda implored the citizens of Katsina State to remain steadfast in their support for government policies aimed at enhancing their welfare and propelling the state towards greater prosperity. As the state grapples with multifaceted challenges, the governor’s unwavering determination to confront insecurity and advance inclusive governance resonates as a beacon of hope for the people of Katsina.
