Residents of frontline local government areas in Katsina State, previously plagued by banditry, have expressed gratitude to security operatives and the government for significantly improving the region’s security situation.
The locals recalled years of terror marked by frequent bandit attacks, the abduction of innocent people, cattle rustling, and widespread violence that disrupted their lives.
However, they now report a dramatic shift, with peace returning to their communities and economic activities gradually resuming.
Usman Batsari, a resident, told our correspondent that their community is now enjoying near-total peace.
He acknowledged that some communities had reached peace agreements with the bandits, which has contributed significantly to their current stability.
However, he noted that certain areas still experience occasional unrest and urged the government to extend similar peace initiatives to those regions to achieve total security.
A community leader in Wagini village, Malam Yahuza Aminu, recounted how the once-volatile region was plagued by violence, forcing many to flee their homes.
“There was a time when no one could sleep peacefully due to fear of unexpected attacks,” he said. “Many of our people were killed, abducted, or displaced.”
He confirmed that the security situation has significantly improved over the past year, with no reports of abductions, killings, or livestock theft.
“We have not heard gunshots from bandits in the last year. Our people now go about their daily activities freely, and markets are fully operational,” he stated.
However, he cautioned that occasional attacks still occur in some areas, emphasizing that while insecurity has not been completely eradicated, it is largely under control compared to previous years.
Ahmed Rufai, a resident of Gimi community in Safana Local Government Area, commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda for his policies in tackling insecurity and urged him to sustain his efforts.
Jamilu Sanusi, another resident, thanked the governor for restoring peace and appealed to the government to provide essential social amenities such as schools, hospitals, and markets to improve their well-being.
Similarly, Rabi’u Sulaiman and Sule Sada of Bakon Zabo appreciated the government’s efforts in enforcing peace, attributing the success to divine intervention through prayers.
They further pleaded with the governor to provide hospitals, potable water, schools, and building materials to help rehabilitate their homes.
The improved security has led to an economic resurgence, particularly benefiting farmers and traders. Aminu noted that many farmers who had abandoned their fields due to insecurity have now returned, leading to a bumper harvest and substantial earnings.
“Many of our farmers made millions from their harvests. The improved security has truly changed our fortunes,” he said.
Traders and market operators have also witnessed a significant revival in business activities. Malam Jamilu Sani, chairman of the Shoe Sellers Association, recalled how traders previously lived in fear of constant attacks.
“It was difficult to conduct business before. Hardly a week passed without an attack on traders. But now, we buy and sell without fear,” he said.
Shop owners in Wagini and Batsari markets also confirmed that commercial activities had resumed in full swing, further boosting the local economy.
Despite the progress, residents urged security operatives to maintain their vigilance and extend their operations to areas where sporadic attacks still occur.
They also called on the government to invest in infrastructure, such as improved road networks and social amenities, to consolidate the gains made in restoring peace.
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