By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has disbursed a total of ₦31 million to victims of the recent banditry attack in Sayaya ward of Matazu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to support affected residents and restore livelihoods.
The intervention, approved by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda was executed through a committee led by the Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, alongside the Special Adviser on Security and Community Watch Ibrahim Yusuf Safana and other members.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise in Sayaya, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir who represented the governor said the gesture was in line with the administration’s commitment to not only securing lives and property but also ensuring that victims of insecurity are not left to bear the burden of loss alone.
He disclosed that Governor Radda received news of the Sayaya attack while returning from China and immediately directed his convoy to proceed to the affected community without delay.
“Despite security concerns raised by his aides, the governor insisted on going to Sayaya. He made it clear that he was ready to stand with his people in their most difficult moment even at personal risk. That is the kind of leadership he represents, one that prioritises the lives and wellbeing of the people above all else,” Nasir said.
He added that the governor’s decision to visit the community firsthand was driven by a strong sense of duty and responsibility to those he had sworn to serve, noting that such commitment underscores the administration’s people centred approach to governance.
“The governor shares in your pain and has directed that this support be provided without delay to help you rebuild your lives. This administration is committed to standing with its people in times of difficulty and ensuring that no community is abandoned,” he said.
Nasir further assured residents that measures are being intensified to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, noting that additional security deployments and strengthened surveillance have already been put in place in the area.
He also urged the community to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid in tackling criminal activities.
A breakdown of the intervention shows that the ₦31 million was distributed among 51 affected individuals with those whose vehicles were destroyed receiving ₦2 million each, while others whose houses and shops were burned were compensated based on the extent of damage recorded.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Matazu Local Government Area Shamsudeen Muhammad Sayaya, commended the state government for its swift response, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
He noted that the support would go a long way in cushioning the hardship faced by victims and restoring confidence among residents of the area.
“We are grateful to the governor for his prompt action and for showing genuine concern for our people. This kind of support will help the victims recover and also reassure the entire community that the government is with them,” he said.
The chairman also called on residents to remain law abiding and support ongoing security efforts by maintaining vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government for the assistance. Suleiman Mannir, whose Hijet vehicle was destroyed during the attack, described the support as a relief that would help him restart his source of livelihood.
Similarly, Asama’u Kabir who lost her sheep and goats in the incident said the assistance had given her hope of rebuilding despite the losses suffered.
The attack on Sayaya had seen bandits invade the community, targeting a police station, a Primary Health Care Centre and several shops, while also claiming the life of a police officer.
Following the incident, Governor Radda visited the community to assess the situation, commiserate with residents and direct the deployment of additional security personnel to restore order.
Security agencies have since maintained increased presence in the area, with authorities assuring that efforts are ongoing to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent future attacks.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities and called on citizens to support security initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace across Katsina State.
