Governor Radda Raises Alarm Over Insecurity in Katsina

Katsina State is facing what Governor Dikko Radda describes as “unprecedented security and humanitarian challenges.” Speaking at the launch of an EU-supported project on conflict prevention and resilience, he highlighted how bandit attacks and communal clashes have devastated local communities.

                               

Radda named eight local government areas (LGAs) most affected by insecurity:

• Jibia

• Batsari

• Danmusa

• Kankara

• Safana

• Sabuwa

• Faskari

• Dandume

According to him, violence has led to:

• Closure of markets and schools

• Mass displacement of families

• Abandonment of farmlands

• Widespread trauma for residents

“In these communities, children have been kept out of school, parents have buried their children, and elders have fled their ancestral homes. These are unprecedented security and humanitarian challenges,” the governor said.

Beyond direct attacks, Radda pointed to deeper structural issues fueling the conflict:

• Resource pressure from drought, desertification, and shrinking farmland

• Outdated land-use practices creating disputes between communities

• Rising youth unemployment contributing to unrest

• Economic stagnation worsening vulnerability in rural areas

Governor Radda emphasized that his administration is pursuing a strategy centered on dialogue and negotiation.

• Community-led peace agreements have shown positive results in Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kurfi.

• Talks are ongoing in Kankara and Safana, with hopes of replicating similar success.

• The state government is also working with international partners to strengthen crisis response and resilience.