By Gloria Drealomalicha
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has appealed to bandits operating across the state’s forests to abandon violence and embrace peace, assuring them that the government remains willing to support those who genuinely repent and reintegrate into society.
The governor made the appeal on Friday during the inauguration of 152 housing units built for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area.
Katsina remains one of the states hardest hit by banditry in north-west Nigeria. For years, armed groups have terrorised rural communities through attacks, kidnappings and extortion, forcing thousands of families from their homes and severely disrupting farming activities, the backbone of the state’s economy.
Speaking directly to those involved in criminal activities, Radda urged them to reconsider their choices and return to their communities.
“To those our brothers and sisters in the bush or in the forest, to those who still raise weapons against our own people, to those who have taken to banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me very well today. There is a better way,” the governor said.
“The doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open to you. Lay down your arms, come back to your families, come back to your communities.”
Radda stressed that individuals who renounce violence would not be excluded from government intervention programmes. According to him, they would have access to the same opportunities available to other citizens, including housing assistance and financial support.
In an emotional appeal, the governor encouraged those involved in banditry to think about the future of their families and children rather than continuing down a path of destruction.
“The same houses, the same grants, the same opportunities being delivered here today can be yours tomorrow not through fear, not through bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour,” he said.
“Choose your children over your weapons, choose prosperity over destruction and choose life.”
The governor reiterated that the state government stands ready to receive and support anyone willing to abandon criminal activities and pursue a peaceful life.
Despite ongoing security concerns, Radda said there are signs that efforts by the government and security agencies are beginning to make a difference in some parts of the state. He noted that many farmers have returned to their fields, markets are gradually reopening, and more children are returning to school.
“Across the state, our farmers have returned to their fields in both rainy and dry seasons. Productivity has risen, and prices of several food items are beginning to ease. Children are returning to school. Markets are reopening. Hope is rising,” he said.
The governor, however, emphasised that military operations alone cannot solve the security crisis, arguing that long-term peace requires addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to insecurity.
“Indeed, we are determined that the insecurity that has scarred our region will in the nearest possible future be confined to history,” he added.
Radda also highlighted the newly commissioned housing project, which was launched in October 2024 through a partnership between the Katsina State Government and development partners. He described the initiative as part of broader efforts to rebuild the lives of communities affected by violence and displacement.
Beyond the housing units, each beneficiary family will receive essential household support, including a bag of rice and a cash grant of N200,000 to help them rebuild their lives and regain stability.
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