Door For Repentance And Reintegration Remain Open For You— Katsina Governor Tells Bandits

Governor Dikko Umar Radda has renewed his appeal to bandits terrorising communities across Katsina State, urging them to abandon violence and embrace the state government’s peace and reintegration initiatives.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of a large Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Housing Estate in Jibia Local Government Area. The project was developed under the Northwest Prevention Facility Project through a partnership between the Katsina State Government and the United Nations Development Programme.

Addressing residents, community leaders and stakeholders at the event, Radda called on those involved in banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities to surrender their weapons and return to peaceful living.

“To our brothers and sisters in the forests, to those who have taken the path of banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open. Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities,” the governor said.

He assured repentant bandits that the government was prepared to support their reintegration into society, noting that the opportunities being created through various intervention programmes could also benefit those who choose to renounce violence.

“Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life. The government of Katsina State stands ready to receive all sons and daughters who choose the path of peace,” Radda added.

The governor identified poverty, displacement, climate change and youth unemployment as major factors contributing to insecurity in the state and across the region. He stressed that addressing the security challenge requires a collective effort involving government institutions, traditional authorities, religious leaders, women and youth groups.

Radda urged community members to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to security agencies and promote dialogue to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.

The governor also congratulated beneficiaries of the newly inaugurated housing estate, describing the project as part of efforts to restore dignity and stability to families displaced by insecurity.

As part of measures to support their resettlement, he announced a grant of N200,000 for each beneficiary household to help them rebuild their livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.

The housing scheme is expected to provide shelter and relief for displaced families affected by years of bandit attacks and insecurity in parts of Katsina State.