Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Islamic clerics to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to combat banditry and restore lasting peace across the state.
The governor said religious leaders have a vital role in discouraging support for criminal groups, promoting peaceful coexistence and encouraging residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
Radda made the call on Thursday during a sensitisation programme and public lecture organised by the Katsina Scholars Forum for Community Advancement in Katsina.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor urged clerics to use their sermons and community influence to support ongoing efforts to end insecurity.
“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,” Radda said.
The governor recalled that 23 of Katsina State’s 34 local government areas were under the grip of banditry when his administration assumed office, noting that the government responded by recruiting 2,500 members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps to complement conventional security agencies.
He said sustained security operations had led to the reopening of several roads and markets previously shut because of bandit attacks, although security agencies remained on high alert in parts of Musawa and Matazu local government areas.
“We have made significant progress in restoring peace, but the fight is not over. Religious leaders, traditional institutions and communities must continue to support security agencies so that together we can defeat criminal elements,” Radda added.
The governor also cautioned politicians against politicising insecurity, urging Islamic scholars to continue preaching peace, unity and lawful conduct.
The Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Joɓe, said the administration had strengthened traditional institutions by increasing the allowances of village heads, reviewing the salaries of district heads and improving the remuneration of other traditional title holders to enhance grassroots security.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, called for responsible religious preaching and stronger community intelligence to support security agencies in tackling insecurity.
“Parents must give their children sound moral and Islamic education, while retired security personnel and experienced public servants should support efforts to improve security in our communities,” Makari said.
West Trybe reports that Katsina remains one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with attacks on rural communities, kidnappings and cattle rustling disrupting farming, trade and livelihoods.
In response, the state government has expanded community-based security initiatives and strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies to restore peace in affected areas.
