Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Islamic clerics to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen the fight against banditry and other crimes.
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.
Governor Radda said tackling insecurity requires the support of every member of society, especially religious leaders, whose words and guidance carry great influence among the people.
“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.
He recalled that when he assumed office, 23 out of the state’s 34 local government areas were badly affected by banditry.
According to him, his administration responded by recruiting 2,500 members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps and providing them with the equipment needed to support the police, the military and other security agencies.
Radda said the effort has produced encouraging results, with many roads that were once unsafe now open to travellers and several markets that had been closed because of bandit attacks returning to normal business.
He noted that although many frontline local government areas are now relatively peaceful, security agencies remain alert to emerging threats in parts of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
The governor said the Community Watch Corps has played an important role in supporting security operations across the state.
“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.
Governor Radda also expressed concern over the activities of informants and collaborators who continue to assist criminal groups.
Recalling the abduction of the late General Abubakar Rabe, the governor said the experience showed that insecurity cannot be defeated without dealing with those who secretly support criminals.
He called on politicians to avoid making insecurity a political issue and urged citizens to put the interest of the state above personal or political considerations.
The governor further appealed to Islamic clerics to remain truthful and responsible in their sermons, encouraging people to respect the law, support security agencies and promote peaceful coexistence.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution through improved welfare for district and village heads, describing them as important partners in maintaining peace and order.
In the same vein, Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Joɓe, remarked that Radda-led administration strengthen security apparatus through improved welfare of traditional leaders.
The deputy governor disclosed that the government has increased the allowances of Village Heads (Masu Unguwanni), elevated the status of District Heads (Hakimai) alongside upward salary reviews, and enhanced the salaries and allowances of other traditional title holders.
“These steps were taken to empower them to play a more active and effective role in securing their respective communities,” he added.
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 respond more effectively to security challenges.
He urged residents to continue praying for peace and to support government efforts aimed at restoring lasting security across Katsina State.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, called for greater responsibility in religious preaching and stressed the need for sermons that promote peace, unity and mutual respect.
He said government alone could not defeat insecurity and recommended stronger community-based intelligence gathering to support security agencies.
Sheikh Makari also urged parents to ensure that children receive proper Islamic education and moral guidance, while encouraging retired public servants and security personnel to contribute their experience towards building safer communities.
Work with security agencies to fight banditry – Radda tells Islamic clerics, monarchs