Katsina State’s Governor Dikko Radda urged residents to defend themselves and their communities from rampaging bandits killing, maiming and destroying properties in some parts of the state.
Rada also encouraged them to resist the intimidation that these criminals use to instill fear in them.
In a message shared recently, Radda urged them to take a firm stance against the increasing threat posed by bandits in the state.
The governor emphasized that the actual firepower of the bandits is far less formidable than the fear they manage to generate.
According to him, despite the relatively small number of weapons the bandits possess, they have been able to terrorize entire communities simply by playing on the fears of the local population.
Radda pointed out that in Katsina State, it is unlikely that the total number of firearms owned by bandits exceeds 700.
However, despite this limited firepower, these criminals have managed to create an atmosphere of fear where large numbers of residents flee when the bandits appear.
He lamented the fact that malnourished bandits, who in many cases are visibly weak, can easily overrun villages, causing panic and sending thousands of people into hiding.
The governor believes that this fear is unnecessary and urged the population to stop allowing the bandits to intimidate them
In his call for resistance, Radda underscored the importance of religious leaders in guiding the public.
He referred to religious teachings that advocate standing up to aggressors, even at the risk of personal harm, citing the belief that those who wrongfully take what does not belong to them will ultimately face divine punishment.
He stressed that the fear instilled by bandits is misplaced and that individuals should stand strong against them, knowing that the bandits’ power is based more on psychological tactics than on actual strength.
The governor expressed profound sorrow at the extreme violations that bandits have inflicted on communities, including instances where families have been forced to endure unspeakable suffering at the hands of these criminals.
He decried the emotional toll of such attacks, stating that the pain of witnessing personal violations, particularly in one’ s presence, is an experience no one should have to endure.
Governor Radda downplayed the strength of the bandits, referring to them as deceitful individuals who fear death more than the locals do.
He argued that the bandits’ primary objective is to scare people into submission, and that the only reason they continue to succeed is because the communities allow themselves to be intimidated.
He urged citizens to refuse to let fear dictate their actions, reinforcing the idea that the bandits are not as powerful as they seem.
The governor concluded with a renewed call to action, encouraging residents to take responsibility for their own safety.
He reminded them that standing firm in the face of aggression is not only a duty but also a way to ensure that their communities remain secure in the long term.
