The Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda has emphasized the urgent need for a military outfit in the southern part of the state to address ongoing security challenges.
Governor Radda made the advocacy during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa to Katsina Government House on Tuesday.
The Governor highlighted the state government’s proactive measures in combating security issues.
“We have been relentless in our efforts to address the rampaging security challenges in our state,” the Governor stated. He went on to detail the establishment of a local security outfit named “Katsina Community Security Watch” to complement existing security forces.
The Governor also revealed plans to expand these efforts, saying, “We have concluded arrangements to train another set of community watch corps to operate in ten additional local government areas, augmenting the 1,466 personnel already on the ground.”
In addition to these security measures, Governor Radda outlined a comprehensive Community Development Programme designed to involve local communities in activities that enhance safety across the state.
“This program includes a 25-member committee responsible for identifying areas of need and exposing criminals and their accomplices,” he explained.
Earlier, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in his address, disclosed that his visit was part of a tour of the entire north western Nigeria to assess the security situation.
“We are committed to restoring peace and security in the region,” General Musa assured.
He emphasized the importance of citizen support in achieving this goal.
The Chief of Defence Staff, accompanied by high-ranking military officers, also expressed condolences to the government, families, and people of Katsina State over the passing of Hajiya Dada, mother of the late Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
General Musa offered prayers for the deceased and her family.
General Musa, however appreciated Governor Radda for coming up with the Katsina Community Security Watch which, according to him, would go along way in improving security in the state. Adding that the security personnel could not be everywhere.
He therefore pleaded for the cooperation of all citizens of the state in achieving the set goal of restoring peace in Katsina State and the entire North.
Governor Radda concluded by expressing appreciation for the cordial working relationship between the state government and the security agencies operating in Katsina. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
Meanwhile, Governor Radda has reaffirmed the preparedness of the state government to convert the comprehensive health center Daura to a full fledged general hospital.
This followed the conversion of Daura general hospital to federal medical center.
Radda gave the assurance at a public engagement, “2025 citizens budget participation on progress” and launching of community development program in Daura zone.
He said the state government is considering public private partnership to revive the moribond industry.
This is to provide jobs to the teeming youths and ensure economic recovery .
The Governor maintained that the state government would act promptly on the ecology problem leading to submerging of about three hundred farmlands by flood recorded at Rogogo in Sandamu local government.
He directed the commissioner of Agriculture to make findings on the incident.