I won’t allow anyone to harm my people even if it will cost me my life– Dikko Radda

 



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.



 



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“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.”