Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering stance against negotiating directly with criminals, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through the active involvement and affected communities acceptance.
Speaking during a recent engagement, Governor Radda stated that negotiations with bandits would only succeed if the concerned members of the communities fully embrace the process and commit to its success.
To this end, the state government has assigned a Public Engagement Committee to liaise with community leaders and stakeholders, seeking their acceptance and readiness to facilitate meaningful peace efforts.
“The bandits are people within our communities who have chosen the path of criminality. For any negotiation to work, it must have the backing of these communities.
” They must take responsibility and actively support efforts to restore peace,” Governor Radda asserted.
Reflecting on past challenges, the governor recalled a troubling incident in Batsari Local Government Area, where speculation about a potential peace deal with bandits led to unrest.
This experience, he noted, underscored the importance of a well-structured, transparent, and community-driven approach to resolving insecurity.
Governor Radda maintained that his administration would not be coerced into granting undue concessions to those perpetuating violence.
Instead, he assured that the state government is committed to providing security and facilitating the reintegration of repentant bandits, however, only strict conditions set by the government and with the full support of the affected communities.
“Our government will do everything possible to secure bandits and their belongings if they accept the terms of the state and demonstrate genuine repentance.
”This process, however, cannot succeed without the cooperation of community members, who play a critical role in identifying and addressing the root causes of these issues,” he said.
The Public Engagement Committee, according to the governor, will serve as a bridge between the state government and the affected communities, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page.
According to him, the committee will work to foster dialogue, build trust, and promote a collective commitment to lasting peace.
Governor Radda’s tough stance against negotiating with criminals highlights his administration’s determination to prioritize the safety and well-being of law-abiding citizens.
He stressed that peace cannot be achieved by rewarding criminal behavior but by addressing its root causes and ensuring that communities take ownership of the process.
The governor’s approach has been met with mixed reactions, with some community leaders applauding the focus on accountability and others expressing concerns about the challenges of mobilizing widespread community support.
However, Governor Radda remain resolute, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize the greater good and work together to restore peace in Katsina state.
As the Public Engagement Committee begins its work, the spotlight is on the affected communities to rise to the occasion and support the state government’s efforts to end the cycle of violence.
He highlighted that with the collective action and genuine commitment, Governor Radda believes that lasting peace in Katsina State is achievable.
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