Governor: I’m ready to sacrifice my life to end banditry

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has vowed to end banditry in the state, saying he will protect the people of the state from attacks “even at the cost of my life”.

Lamenting the insecurity which has led to the loss of lives in Katsina State, Radda said banditry bedevilling the state has reached a point where it must be ended.

The governor said the people of Katsina State must unite to end banditry, adding that he would also enter the forest to end killings in the state.

He said these in a recent interview with BBC Hausa.

Radda, who inaugurated the Community Watch Corps to complement efforts of the conventional security agencies last Tuesday, added that security is a top priority.

Governor Radda said: “We have inaugurated, trained, and equipped the volunteers, providing them with cars, motorbikes, and even armoured cars.

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“The public should be aware that these volunteers were doing this job unpaid and are motivated by a sense of duty to protect their families and communities.

“Some critics claim that the patrols are worsening the security situation, but this assertion is unfounded.

“Residents of affected areas know what is happening, and it is unacceptable to allow these people (bandits) to continue to kidnap and kill.

“I swear, as governor, even at the cost of my life, I will not allow someone come and harm my people. The problem of banditry has reached a point where we must all unite and put an end to it.

“Those who oppose these measures are likely motivated by the fact that their loved ones are not the ones being killed. Once all necessary preparations are complete, I will also enter the forest.”

The Star