From Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Islamic clerics to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
The governor made the call during a sensitisation programme and public lecture organised by the Katsina Scholars Forum for Community Advancement, led by Sheikh Munir Adam Koza.
He said tackling insecurity requires the support of every member of society, particularly religious leaders, whose words and guidance have a strong influence on the people.
“Government has a responsibility to protect lives and property, but the people also have a responsibility to support that effort.
“We must all work together by exposing those who provide information, logistics and other forms of support to criminals,” the governor said.
Radda recalled that when he assumed office, 23 of the state’s 34 local government areas were severely affected by banditry.
According to him, his administration responded by recruiting 2,500 members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps and equipping them to support the police, the military and other security agencies.
The governor said the intervention has yielded encouraging results, with many roads that were once unsafe now accessible to travellers, while several markets previously shut down due to bandit attacks have resumed normal commercial activities.
He noted that although many frontline local government areas are now relatively peaceful, security agencies remain vigilant in responding to emerging threats in parts of Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
Radda commended the Community Watch Corps for its vital role in supporting security operations across the state.
“Only Allah knows what the situation would have been without the support of the Community Watch Corps. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with our security agencies in protecting our communities,” he said.
The governor also expressed concern over the activities of informants and collaborators who continue to aid criminal groups.
Recalling the abduction of the late General Abubakar Rabe, he said the incident underscored the need to identify and deal with individuals who secretly support criminal elements.
He urged politicians to refrain from politicising insecurity and appealed to citizens to place the interests of the state above personal or political considerations.
Radda further appealed to Islamic clerics to remain truthful and responsible in their sermons by encouraging respect for the law, support for security agencies and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution through improved welfare packages for district and village heads, describing them as critical partners in maintaining peace and security.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, said the Radda administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture by improving the welfare of traditional leaders.
He disclosed that the government has increased the allowances of village heads (Masu Unguwanni), upgraded the status of district heads (Hakimai) alongside salary enhancements, and improved the salaries and allowances of other traditional title holders.
“These measures were introduced to empower traditional leaders to play a more active and effective role in safeguarding their communities,” he said.
Earlier, the convener of the programme, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza, said the forum was organised to equip clerics and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to respond more effectively to security challenges.
He urged residents to continue praying for peace and to support government efforts aimed at restoring lasting security across Katsina State.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, called for greater responsibility in religious preaching and stressed the need for sermons that promote peace, unity and mutual respect.
He noted that government alone could not defeat insecurity and advocated stronger community-based intelligence gathering to complement the efforts of security agencies.