Governor Dikko Radda has signalled a shift in his administration’s approach to insecurity, declaring that bandits and kidnappers willing to renounce violence and embrace peace can access dialogue, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday during the commissioning and handover of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The housing project was executed under the UNDP Northwest Prevention Facility Project with support from the Government of Germany in partnership with the state government.
Addressing residents and displaced persons, Radda appealed to armed groups operating in forests and remote communities across the state to abandon criminal activities and return to society.
He said the government remains committed to engaging individuals who genuinely repent and are prepared to surrender their weapons, stressing that opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start remain available.
“To our brothers and sisters in the forests, those involved in banditry, kidnapping and violence, there is a better path,” the governor said.
“The doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open.”
Radda urged the armed groups to choose peace and lawful livelihoods over violence, noting that the same support, housing and economic opportunities being extended to displaced persons could also be made available to former bandits who genuinely embrace peace.
He reiterated that lasting peace is critical to the development of Katsina State and pledged to continue pursuing practical and lawful measures aimed at ending insecurity.
The governor added that his administration would sustain initiatives focused on rehabilitation, community recovery and stability while encouraging all stakeholders to support efforts to restore peace across affected communities.
(The Whistler)