Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, has called for a united front by stakeholders to address the problem of insecurity, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political affiliation.

Radda was speaking when he flagged off a statewide prayer session on Thursday, aimed at making supplications for divine intervention in the state’s security challenges.
The prayer sessions brought together key stakeholders, including Ulamas, Jumaat Imams, traditional rulers, and representatives of faith-based organisations from across the state.

The governor said that insecurity recognises no tribe, religion, or political party and therefore requires unity, patience, and wisdom to overcome.
“Bandits do not ask whether you belong to AC (Action Congress), APC (All Progressive Congress), PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), or any other group.

“This is why we must come together as one united people, with patience, wisdom, and collective resolve. Violence cannot solve what dialogue, understanding, and cooperation should address,” he said.

The governor, who offered special prayers for those who lost their lives to insecurity and for the recovery of the injured, highlighted some measures taken by his administration to address the problem of insecurity.

He identified the recruitment and equipping of thousands of youths from frontline communities to support the Army, Police, and other security agencies as a major measure taken by the state government.

He also identified the commissioning of eight armoured vehicles and the procurement of 700 motorcycles as another major measure by the government to enhance security operations across difficult terrains.

Radda also reiterated his administration’s commitment to humanitarian support towards those affected by the security challenge in the state.
“Whenever a person is kidnapped in Katsina State, once we receive credible information, the government immediately provides humanitarian support to the family.
“And when victims are taken to hospitals, the Katsina State government covers their treatment expenses,” he added.

He dismissed speculation that he was addressing insecurity in the state with the intention of winning people over to secure another term in office.
He said, “I am not addressing insecurity because I expect re-election. No. I am doing it because of the responsibility Allah has placed on me to protect lives and property. And God is our witness.”

Speaking, the state’s deputy governor, Faruk Jobe, said the importance of prayer for peace during security challenges cannot be overstated, even as he acknowledged the governor’s efforts in strengthening security while reviving the agriculture and livestock sectors, which have been heavily affected by insecurity.

“But government alone cannot solve this problem. We must also rebuild trust among ourselves. If parents, teachers, neighbours, and businesspeople live without honesty and trust, insecurity will continue to grow,” Jobe said.

The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Sani, called on stakeholders to combine prayers with action, emphasising the importance of fear of God, honesty, patience, and kindness as values that strengthen unity and attract divine blessings.

Earlier, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Isiyaku Dabai, said the coordinated prayer initiative was designed to seek Allah’s mercy over the state’s security challenges.