Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has indicated a shift in his administration’s approach to tackling banditry, declaring that bandits willing to renounce violence and embrace peace will be given an opportunity for dialogue and reintegration.
The governor said his administration remains prepared to engage with bandits and kidnappers who genuinely abandon criminal activities, adding that the government is willing to support their return to society.
He urged those involved in violent crimes to surrender their weapons, embrace peaceful engagement and contribute to the state’s development efforts.
Radda spoke on Thursday during the commissioning and handover of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area.
The housing project was delivered under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Northwest Prevention Facility Project with funding support from the German government and collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
While addressing individuals still engaged in banditry and kidnapping, the governor appealed to them to abandon criminality and reunite with their families and communities. He assured them that government support programmes and economic opportunities would also be accessible to those who genuinely choose peace and surrender their arms.
“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path, the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open.”
“Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities. The same houses, grants and opportunities being provided here today can be available to you tomorrow. Not through fear or bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour. Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to pursue lawful and practical solutions to the security challenges affecting communities across Katsina State.
According to him, sustainable peace is critical to the state’s progress, and the government will continue to back programmes aimed at strengthening stability, rehabilitation and recovery in affected communities.
