From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has identified persistent insecurity in Sabuwa Local Government Area as the main factor delaying the execution of the ₦18.9 billion, 27-kilometre road project linking 13 communities in the area.
The project, designed to connect Sabuwa to Tashar Bawa Station, was awarded at a cost of ₦18.9 billion. The governor made the disclosure while receiving a high-powered delegation of elders, district heads, business leaders, political figures, clerics, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from Sabuwa Local Government during a courtesy visit.
Governor Radda revealed that the state government is ready to release ₦7.5 billion, representing 40 percent mobilisation to the indigenous contractor handling the project. However, insecurity in the area has slowed down the commencement of work.
He expressed optimism that ongoing peace initiatives in the area would pave the way for the road project to commence without further delay. “Dialogue between communities and repentant bandits has already started yielding positive results, creating hope and cooperation. Once stability is restored, the contractor will confidently mobilise to site to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery of the 27-kilometre road,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to improving living conditions across the state and urged the people of Sabuwa to remain united and support development initiatives in their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Engineer Tasiu Abubakar, an elder statesman and APC stalwart, said the group included all relevant stakeholders — business leaders, party officials, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and youth representatives. He thanked Governor Radda for awarding key projects to Sabuwa and appointing indigenes into his administration.
Abubakar particularly commended the governor for approving the 27-kilometre road project linking Sabuwa to Tashar Bawa Station. He also appealed for the revival of the abandoned Federal Government Agricultural Park Project in Sabuwa, initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He emphasized that resuscitating the project would transform Sabuwa into an agricultural hub, create employment, and enhance food security in the region.
In his contribution, Hon. Danjuma Ibrahim, member representing Sabuwa Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, disclosed that repentant bandits had expressed readiness to enter into a peace accord with residents.
He said this development marked a major step toward restoring peace and security, as many former contributors to instability are willing to reintegrate into society.
According to Ibrahim, the Ministry for Internal Security has been briefed and is working out modalities to ensure a transparent and sustainable peace process that guarantees the safety of lives and property while creating a stable environment for development projects like the road.
Earlier, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government, Engineer Sagir Tanimu, expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for approving substantial funds that have enabled the council to implement people-oriented projects across all electoral wards.
He added that awarding contracts to local contractors had begun to revive socio-economic activities, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
The visit ended with renewed assurances of cooperation and support between the people of Sabuwa and the Katsina State Government in the collective pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development.
