Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Tuesday, called on his colleague-Governors in the North to adopt a ‘community-driven’ approach towards addressing the problem of insecurity plaguing the region.
Radda made the appeal at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, on the occasion of the ‘Graduation and Passing Out Parade of Katsina State Community Watch Corps Batch 1’.
At the event, the Governor also inaugurated the ‘Steering Committee of the Katsina Security Intervention Trust Fund’.
According to him, there is need for all Northern Governors to cooperate by sharing information, ideas, and resources to stamp out banditry and all forms of insecurity in the region.
He said: “We must also work as a unit with the Federal Government to ensure that a comprehensive approach is applied to tackling insecurity”.
Governor Dikko Radda, while speaking further, recalled that during his electioneering, he transversed the 361 wards in the State, and witnessed the devastating effects of insecurity on several Katsina communities.
“People have been denigrated to poor living conditions, immense psychological trauma, and a complete demolition of socioeconomic development. In line with my campaign promises, security has been the topmost priority for my administration and we have invested vast resources to ensure sustainability in our fight against banditry.
“This should come as no surprise to anyone as 22 out of 34 local governments in Katsina face severe security challenges. Before my inauguration, I set up a committee comprising of well-versed senior security personnel who retired from different national security institutions. I also consulted with serving security officers to have a complete understanding of the dynamics of insecurity and the operational security architecture in the state,” he said.
Maintaining that his “entire vision for the future Katsina State begins with a secure Katsina state”, Radda, said that graduation and POP of the Watch Corps’ members indicates his administration’s commitment to security, peace, and community-cantered advancement.
His words: “Ladies and gentlemen, Katsina, like every other state, faces its unique set of challenges. However, the introduction of the Community Watch Corps illustrates our proactive approach to these challenges. The very essence of this corps lies in community engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect. By leveraging localized knowledge and fostering trust, we are not merely addressing symptoms but targeting the roots of insecurity in our state.
“To our dear officers, as you step out into the field, remember that you now bear a significant responsibility. You are not just protectors but also role models, mediators, and pillars of support. Remember, the real essence of your training goes beyond physical readiness or tactical expertise. It is about the development of a character that understands the value of empathy, community cohesion, and cultural respect.
“As you interact with the diverse communities of Katsina, let these principles guide your actions and decisions. You have been saddled with the responsibility of facing a deadly enemy who has no respect for life or peaceful existence. These bandits have brought pain upon our mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers and it is our religious obligation to protect them. As your leader, you will have my full support and that of the entire state as we work together to eradicate insecurity.
“In conclusion, let us remember that the success of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps does not rest solely on these officers but on all of us. Safety is a shared responsibility and we must all contribute towards security by organising to protect our people at the community level. The various vigilante groups that exist in the state should also cooperate with the Community Watch Corps as we seek to expand our support to all informal security organisations”.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Mai mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Mohammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi states were in attendance at the event.
