Radda Urges Clerics to Join Security Agencies in Fight Against Banditry

Katsinatimes 

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Islamic clerics to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.

Radda made the appeal on Thursday during a sensitisation programme and public lecture organised by the Katsina Scholars Forum for Community Advancement under the leadership of Sheikh Munir Adam Koza.

The governor said ending insecurity requires collective action, stressing that religious leaders have a critical role to play because of their influence on society.

 "Government has a responsibility to protect lives and property, but the people also have a responsibility to support that effort. We must all work together by exposing those who provide information, logistics and other forms of support to criminals," he said.

Radda recalled that when he assumed office in 2023, banditry had affected 23 of the state's 34 local government areas, prompting his administration to recruit 2,500 members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) to complement the efforts of the military, police and other security agencies.

According to him, the initiative has contributed to improved security, leading to the reopening of roads previously considered unsafe and the resumption of commercial activities in markets that had been shut due to persistent attacks.

He, however, noted that security agencies remained vigilant against emerging threats in parts of Musawa and Matazu local government areas.

The governor praised the Community Watch Corps for its contribution to security operations, describing the outfit as a vital partner in the state's efforts to curb banditry.

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Radda also raised concerns over the activities of informants and collaborators who provide intelligence and logistical support to criminal groups, saying their actions continue to undermine security operations.

Referring to the abduction and death of the late retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, the governor said the incident underscored the need to dismantle local support networks aiding criminal gangs.

He urged politicians to refrain from politicising insecurity and appealed to residents to prioritise the peace and stability of the state over personal or political interests.

The governor further charged Islamic clerics to use their sermons to promote peace, respect for the law and cooperation with security agencies, while reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions through improved welfare packages for district and village heads.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Joɓe, said the government had reviewed the allowances of village heads, upgraded the status of district heads with corresponding salary adjustments, and improved the remuneration of other traditional title holders to enhance grassroots security.

Earlier, the convener of the programme, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza, said the forum was organised to equip clerics and community leaders with practical knowledge on addressing security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, urged religious leaders to preach messages that foster peace, unity and mutual respect.

He also advocated stronger community-based intelligence gathering to complement the efforts of security agencies, while encouraging parents to provide sound moral and Islamic education for their children and calling on retired public servants and security personnel to contribute their experience to improving security at the community level.