Gov Radda Insists On State Police, Says Banditry Has No Ethnic, Religious Connection

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State says he supports the creation of state police because effective policing requires partnering with communities.

Speaking with some media executives during a media tour of projects executed by his administration since the inauguration in May 2023, the governor maintained that nothing should be left undone to secure the life and property of the people.

In recognition of the role that effective policing plays in safeguarding citizens’ lives, Radda told the visiting media executives that security remains the government’s basic responsibility.

He said, “The security of life and property is the essence of government. If necessary, no expense should be spared to save the citizens’ lives. You cannot ensure the security of life and property without engaging the citizens.

“,We have freed several local government areas that were once under bandits’ control. We may not have achieved total success in the terror war, but we have regained control of the local government areas that were once under the terror of these criminal gangs,” Radda said.

He insisted on the establishment of state police to enable states to address the challenges posed by insecurity and dismissed fears of governors’ abuse of state police as unfounded.

“I know some people have rejected calls for state police because they believe it would allow governors to use it against their political foes. You should remember that the maximum time governors can serve is eight years. Once the two terms are over, the governors can still be brought to face the full wrath of the law over any infractions or accusations.

“We must do all within our power to stop the ongoing attacks by state actors against communities in various parts of not only Katsina State but Nigeria as a whole,” Radda said.

The governor described current attacks by bandits in the state as entirely criminal, stressing that there’s nothing ethnic or religious about it.

Radda said, “These are criminals and nothing more. They are not engaged in these attacks for any religious or ethnic reason. They have been able to have their way because they have moles in communities and security outfits to anticipate what to do and avoid arrest. Through the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, we have empowered communities and provided a sense of security that has greatly helped in the course of protecting life and property.”