… Gov Radda vows not to negotiate with bandits
By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
The Katsina State government has today Thursday mobilised no fewer than 150 Ulama, Muslim clerics and religion leaders from across the 34 Local Government Areas for special prayers for peace to reign in the banditry-terrorists-ravaged State.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda was also among the participants along with other Muslim leaders and citizens who converged at the People’s Square, venue of the programme for the special prayers.
The event also featured recitation from different portions of the Holy Qu’ran.
The Governor explained that the prayer session was part of efforts of his administration to tackle the lingering issue of insecurity due to the activities of terrorists operating in parts of the State.
“Insecurity is not the sole responsibility of government alone but everybody, hence the involvement of religion leaders,” Radda said, adding that, “l will deploy all available resources to end banditry and criminality across the State.”
According to him, the insecurity issues will be paramount for this administration especially this year 2023 and called on the people of the State to be patient with his government while other needs will be looked into as the years progresses.
“To the bandits, I say abandon your guns and reintegrate into the society or face the full wrath of the law.
“We will not negotiate with terrorists but if any want to reintegrate to the society, government is willing to accept them.
“The driving force of our administration will be service to the people, equity, justice for all.
“We will run a people-oriented government and resist anything compromising our ability to put our people first,” Governor Radda added.
