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How Governor Radda Accuses Community Leader of Aiding Bandits by Collecting ₦700,000, Allowing Killing of their people

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 8th, 2024.

How Governor Radda Accuses Community Leader of Aiding Bandits by Collecting ₦700,000, Allowing Killing of their people

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has claimed that bandits are able to operate freely with the help of some local individuals. At a town hall meeting in Daura, Radda emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting communities in their fight against bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals.

The meeting, themed ‘Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process,’ focused on improving community defense. Radda outlined plans to support any community willing to defend itself by providing training and resources to engage criminals before security forces arrive.

Radda shared an example of a village, Tsamiyar-jino, which is so remote it takes two hours to reach from the main road. He noted that if bandits attack such areas, it could take security forces over two hours to respond, during which significant harm could occur.

He criticized the current situation, stating that security forces are overstretched and communities need to take an active role in their defense. Radda expressed frustration over the lack of resistance from communities, citing instances where bandits easily overpower local populations.

The governor revealed that some community leaders are complicit in these attacks. He cited a case where a village representative accepted ₦700,000 from bandits, which led to the murder of about 30 people. He also mentioned that various community members, including women and a teacher, have acted as informants for the bandits.

To address these issues, Radda’s government has established a community security watch corps, providing them with rifles, bulletproof vests, uniforms, and other essential equipment. Additionally, the security forces have been equipped with 700 motorcycles, 65 Hilux trucks, and 10 armored personnel carriers (APCs). The government also funds vehicle maintenance and has invested in advanced 5G surveillance technology.

Katsina State, like many in the North-West, has been severely impacted by banditry, causing significant hardship for its residents.