In a surprise move, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced the decision of the government to now engage bandits terrorising communities across the state. He said the door of negotiation is now opened to repentant kidnappers and bandits who are willing to negotiate and embrace peace.
Shortly after assuming office in 2023, Governor Dikko Umar Radda repeatedly declared that his administration would not negotiate with bandits or kidnappers as a matter of government policy.
In August 2023, he said the Katsina State Government was “not ready to call or seek dialogue with any bandit,” although it was willing to accept those who genuinely repented and surrendered.
Again in October 2023, Radda stated after meeting the Chief of Defence Staff that his government was not considering negotiations with bandits because previous negotiations had failed. He said the state would instead employ both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic measures to tackle insecurity.
The Katsina government also publicly stated in October 2023 that it would “not negotiate with any criminal or group of criminals” and would focus on protecting residents.
However, on Thursday, he said the state government remains willing to engage bandits and kidnappers who genuinely denounce criminal activities, stressing that the state government is willing to facilitate their reintegration.
He asked them to abandon violence, embrace dialogue and surrender their weapons in the interest of peace and development.
The governor made the appeal during the official commissioning and handing over of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area of the state,on Thursday.
The houses were constructed under the UNDP Northwest Prevention Facility Project under the support of the government of Germany in partnership with the state government.
The governor urged those still involved in criminal activities to turn a new leaf and return to their families and communities, assuring them that government support and opportunities could also be extended to them if they choose the path of peace as they lay down their weapons.
“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path, the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open.”
“Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities. The same houses, grants and opportunities being provided here today can be available to you tomorrow. Not through fear or bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour. Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life,” he said.
Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing lawful and practical measures aimed at ending the persistent insecurity confronting many communities across the state.
He said lasting peace remains essential for the state’s development and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote stability, rehabilitation and community recovery.
