Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, has appealed to bandits operating across the state’s forests to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The governor spoke on Friday during the inauguration of 152
housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia LGA.
Katsina is one of the states worst affected by banditry in
the north-west.
For years, armed groups have carried out attacks on
communities in Katsina, abducted residents for ransom, displaced thousands of
families and disrupted farming activities, worsening humanitarian and economic
challenges in the state.
Addressing those involved in criminal activities, Radda said
the government remains open to dialogue, repentance and rehabilitation.
“To those our brothers and sisters in the bush or in the
forest, to those who still raise weapons against our own people, to those who
have taken to banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me very well today. There
is a better way,” he said.
“The doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain
open to you. Lay down your arms, come back to your families, come back to your
communities.”
Radda said bandits who abandon violence and embrace peace
would have access to the same government support programmes available to
law-abiding citizens, including housing and financial assistance.
He urged those involved in banditry to prioritise their
families and future over violence, saying lasting prosperity can only be
achieved through honest labour and peaceful coexistence.
“The same houses, the same grants, the same opportunities
being delivered here today can be yours tomorrow — not through fear, not
through bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour.
“Choose your children over your weapons, choose prosperity
over destruction and choose life.”
The governor said the state government is ready to receive
and support anyone willing to abandon violence and embrace peace.
Radda noted that despite persistent security challenges,
efforts by the government and security agencies are beginning to yield results
in some communities.
He noted that insecurity cannot be tackled through military
operations alone, stressing the need to address underlying socio-economic
challenges.
“Across the state, our farmers have returned to their fields
in both rainy and dry seasons. Productivity has risen, and prices of several
food items are beginning to ease. Children are returning to school. Markets are
reopening. Hope is rising,” he said.
“Indeed, we are determined that the insecurity that has
scarred our region will in the nearest possible future be confined to history.”
Radda also said the housing project, flagged off in October
2024 through a partnership between the Katsina government and development
partners, reflects efforts to support communities affected by violence and
displacement.
He said each beneficiary family would receive household
items, including a bag of rice and a N200,000 cash grant in addition to the
housing units.
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