Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has called for stronger collaboration among Islamic clerics, security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
The governor made the call during a sensitisation programme and public lecture organised by the Katsina Scholars Forum for Community Advancement, led by Sheikh Munir Adam Koza.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Radda said defeating insecurity requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders, particularly religious leaders whose teachings have a significant influence on society.
“Government has a responsibility to protect lives and property, but the people also have a responsibility to support that effort. We must all work together by exposing those who provide information, logistics and other forms of support to criminals,” the governor said.
Governor Radda recalled that when his administration assumed office, 23 of the state’s 34 local government areas were severely affected by banditry.
He said his administration responded by recruiting 2,500 personnel into the Katsina Community Watch Corps to work alongside the police, military and other security agencies.
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According to the governor, the intervention has improved security, making several previously dangerous roads safer for travellers and enabling markets shut by bandit attacks to resume commercial activities.
He, however, warned that security agencies remain vigilant over emerging threats in parts of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
The governor praised the Community Watch Corps for its contribution to restoring peace and decried the activities of informants and collaborators who continue to aid criminal groups.
“Only Allah knows what the situation would have been without the support of the Community Watch Corps. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with our security agencies in protecting our communities,” he said.
Radda also urged politicians not to politicise insecurity and called on citizens to place the interest of the state above personal and political considerations.
He further appealed to Islamic clerics to use their sermons to promote peace, obedience to the law and support for security agencies, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution through improved welfare packages for district and village heads.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Joɓe, said the administration had enhanced the welfare of traditional rulers to strengthen their role in community security and grassroots governance.
Earlier, the convener of the programme, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza, said the forum was organised to equip clerics and community leaders with the knowledge needed to address contemporary security challenges and support ongoing peace efforts.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, urged religious leaders to promote peace, unity and responsible preaching. He stressed that government alone cannot defeat insecurity and called for stronger community intelligence gathering to complement the efforts of security agencies.
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