Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, has voiced grave concerns over the severe challenges the state faces in its fight against banditry and other criminal activities. Speaking during an interview with DW Hausa, Governor Radda highlighted the dire shortage of manpower and equipment available to confront the criminals who have been terrorizing the region.
Radda revealed that an entire Local Government Area (LGA) in Katsina has only 39 police officers deployed to it. This LGA, which comprises 10 political wards and over 200 villages, is being secured with just nine guns, of which only five are operational. The governor questioned how such limited resources could effectively protect such a vast area.
In response to the crisis, Radda announced a new initiative to support communities willing to defend themselves. He mentioned that the state would provide these communities with the necessary training and support to engage criminals before security forces arrive.
This revelation follows recent allegations by the governor that some community leaders in the state are colluding with bandits. Radda recounted a shocking incident where a community leader accepted a ₦700,000 bribe from bandits, allowing them to enter a village and kill 30 people. He also mentioned that various segments of the community, including women and even a teacher, have been implicated as informants for the bandits.