Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has commended local communities for engaging in peace agreements with bandits, noting that the initiative is beginning to deliver tangible improvements in security across the state. The governor made the remarks during his tour of Batsari and Danmusa Local Government Areas on Friday, as part of his ongoing visit to the state’s councils.
Governor Radda highlighted that areas previously ravaged by banditry are now witnessing enhanced safety. To illustrate this progress, he traveled along the road passing through Danburum Forest in Batsari—a location once notorious as a bandit hideout where hundreds of people were killed and many more kidnapped for ransom. The forest, he said, has become relatively peaceful, with farming and other economic activities gradually resuming.
While acknowledging that Katsina is not entirely free from security challenges, the governor said the peace deals have brought significant relief to affected communities. “We thank God the peace deal initiative organized by the communities is yielding very positive results. In recent days, I have not received a single report of incidents from security forces like I used to,” he said.
Governor Radda also pointed out the economic impact of the peace initiative. A state agency responsible for covering medical and related expenses for victims of banditry reported spending less than N2 million in November—a dramatic reduction from over N40 million previously required per month. Support for rescued kidnapping victims and families of the deceased has similarly decreased. “We have not had to pay such amounts for a very long time,” he added.
The governor emphasized that while security challenges persist, the state is making meaningful progress. He called on religious leaders to continue prayers for lasting peace, ensuring that the benefits of the peace agreements are sustained in the long term.