Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has urged residents to refrain from politicising the state’s security challenges, calling instead for prayers, unity and support for security agencies working to restore peace.
Radda made the appeal on Saturday during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur (Thanksgiving Day), held to commemorate the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces.
He described insecurity as a collective challenge that requires cooperation rather than political division, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through unity and shared responsibility.
The governor said the annual thanksgiving was a tradition established by the state’s founding fathers to express gratitude to Allah and seek continued peace and protection for Katsina.
He also paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as eminent jurists and Islamic scholars, for their contributions to the state and the country.
According to Radda, the state government has strengthened its security architecture through the recruitment, training and equipping of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to complement conventional security agencies.
He commended the military, police and members of the Community Watch Corps for recent joint operations, which he said led to the killing of more than 40 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin.
The governor warned politicians and other stakeholders against exploiting insecurity and the loss of innocent lives for political advantage.
“No one should use the death of innocent people to pursue political interests. Human life is sacred, and security must remain our collective priority,” he said.
Also speaking, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, urged residents to uphold the legacy of unity and brotherhood inherited from the founding fathers of Katsina and Daura.
‘Don’t politicise insecurity’ — Gov Radda tells Katsina residents