Despite Attacks on Communities, Katsina Gov Vows to Eliminate Terrorists

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has said the persistent attacks of terrorists on communities in the state will not deter his government from eliminating the marauding hoodlums.

He explained that the urchins were seeking truce with the state government through their heinous activities, but his administration will never negotiate with them.

Speaking at a press conference to mark his administration’s 100 days in Katsina Wednesday, Radda insisted that his government was adopting resolving security measures to combat security challenges bedevilling residents of the state.

He explained that over N7 billion had been spent by his government in the purchase of armoured personnel carriers, 65 Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles and other security gadgets to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the citizens.

He added that the state government had recruited and trained 1,500 youths under its Katsina Community Watch Corps to work with security agencies in tackling security challenges in frontline local government areas of the state.

Governor Radda noted that his government would not pay ransom to terrorists for the release of abductees, but would accept any terrorist that genuinely denounced terrorism and other criminal acts.

Radda said: “The issue of insecurity is of paramount importance to my administration. The creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Katsina State Community Watch Corps was the beginning of institutionalising our strategy to deal with insecurity.

“We have so far recruited 1,500 community watch officers from the eight frontline local governments to empower our people to defend themselves. My administration had expended over N7 billion to procure armoured personnel carriers, 65 Hilux vehicles and 700 motorcycles.”

He, however, promised to spare no efforts in dealing decisively and mercilessly with the criminal gangs terrorising communities in eight frontline local government areas of the state.