TheCable

Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, says he would protect the people of the state from banditry attacks “even if it would cost him his life”.

Speaking on Monday during an interview with BBC Hausa, Radda said it is high time banditry activities were stopped in the state.

He said his administration recognises the importance of security, adding that collective effort is needed to end insecurity in the state.

The governor recently established the community watch corps to complement the efforts of conventional security bodies in the fight against banditry in Katsina.

He commented on the new security outfit and said the group has been fully equipped with the necessary tools.

Radda added that members of the corps are volunteers who understand the nature of the insecurity in their various areas.

He said the volunteers are ready to safeguard their communities and also ensure the safety of their loved ones.

“We have set up, trained, and equipped the volunteers and also provided them with cars and motorcycles, including armoured vehicles,” he said.

“On the issue of payment of salaries to the new security body, the government is working on plans to ensure they are placed on allowance.

“It is important for people to know that these volunteers are not paid for this job but they are people who are motivated by a sense of duty to protect their communities and their loved ones.

“People who are criticising the patrols of the corps, saying it will further worsen the security situation in the state are making a baseless point.

“People living in the affected areas are aware of the true situation of the security issue in their communities and it is unacceptable to allow these people (bandits) to continue to kidnap and kill residents.

“I swear to God, as a governor, even if it will cost me my life, I won’t allow anyone to harm my people. The problem of banditry has reached a point where we must all unite and put an end to it.

“Those who oppose these measures are probably doing so because they do not have lived ones in the affected areas and are not the ones being killed.

“Once we conclude all necessary preparations, I will also start entering the forest.”