Katsina: Terrorists demolishing our socio-economic devt, says Gov Radda
…Launches Community Watch Corps
By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
The Katsina State government on Tuesday has launched the Community Watch Corps, security initiative it developed as part of measures to check activities of bandits terrorizing parts of the area.
The Corps has 1,456 personnel who graduated at the completion of their training.
Speaking at the programme which took place at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, regretted that communities have been denigrated to poor living conditions, immense psychological trauma, and a complete demolition of socio-economic development.
He said, “in line with my campaign promises, security has been the topmost priority for my administration and we have invested vast resources to ensure sustainability in our fight against banditry. This should come as no surprise to anyone as 22 out of 34 local governments in Katsina face severe security challenges.
“Before my inauguration, I set up a committee comprising of well-versed senior security personnel who retired from different national security institutions. I also consulted with serving security officers to have a complete understanding of the dynamics of insecurity and the operational security architecture in the State. I can assure you that my entire vision for the future Katsina State begins with a secure Katsina State.
“Today marks a pivotal milestone not just for our graduating officers, but also for the entire Katsina State and, by extension, Nigeria. This occasion serves as an emblem of our commitment to security, peace, and community-cantered advancement.
“It is with profound respect and admiration that I stand before the newest ambassadors of public safety and trust – the graduating officers of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. Your rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and relentless pursuit of peace set you apart. Your commitment and courage to safeguarding our communities, families, and futures is commendable.”
Radda further said there was need for all Northern Governors to cooperate by sharing information, ideas, and resources to stamp out banditry and all forms of insecurity in the region.
“I would like to invite the Governors present here today and all those in our region to embrace this community driven approach to tackling insecurity. We must cooperate by sharing information, ideas, and resources to stamp out banditry and all forms of insecurity in the region.
“We must also work as a unit with the Federal Government to ensure that a comprehensive approach is applied to tackling insecurity,” he said.
At the event, the Governor also inaugurated a Steering Committee of the Katsina Security Intervention Trust Fund.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Mohammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi States were in attendance at the ceremony.
