Rise against bandits, Gov Radda urges Katsina residents

Katsina State governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has called on the people of the state to adopt proactive measures to protect themselves against bandit attacks ravaging the state.

He made this call at a town hall meeting tagged: “Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process” in Daura Zone.

In a video that went viral on the internet and social media platforms, Radda was visibly furious and charged Islamic scholars to enlighten the citizens about the importance of self-defence as enshrined in Islam.

He said, “It is unfortunate that a few bandits/gunmen would raid and abuse a whole community,” adding that, “Even themselves (bandits), are afraid of death,” inferring the need to confront them head-on.

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He said, “…of all the terrorists operating in Katsina State, they are barely in possession of 700 rifles. Regrettably, three famished and emaciated bandits would hunt down 1,000 people while we look helplessly as some hide beneath their beds.”

Radda asked rhetorically, “Members of the clergy are here, and it’s mandatory upon them to pass to the general public Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s message concerning a robber that comes after your life or wealth. What did God command you to do?”

He added, “What humiliation! A situation where you stand idly watching while your wife or daughter is being raped? What is the essence of you being alive thereafter? Death is more honourable than some kinds of humiliation.

“They spare any community that they are aware resists their incursions. They don’t dare attack such communities. We must raise insurrections and wanton killings. We have to be battle-ready.

“Anytime, five or even 10 of them raid your community and you mobilise like 500 people, before he eliminates five persons, you would have tamed him – whoever he is. It is just a façade…they are runaways and afraid of death even more than us. They only want to instil fear and anxiety in us,” Gov Radda added.

This is not the first time Governor Radda has made this call, as he made a similar one in February. His commissioner for Internal Security, Dr Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, also made a similar appeal recently.