At the 2026 Yaumul Shukur (Thanksgiving Day) held on Saturday, August 1, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda delivered a fervent appeal for residents to keep politics out of the state's ongoing fight against insecurity. He urged unity, prayers, and full cooperation with security agencies as essential pillars for achieving lasting peace.
The annual event, which commemorates the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces, provided the governor with a platform to reflect on the state's shared heritage and the collective responsibility facing its people. According to Radda, the security situation in Katsina is not a matter for partisan gain but a challenge that requires the effort of every citizen.
A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude
Radda described the gathering as more than just a civic ceremony, emphasizing its spiritual significance. "This is not just a gathering. It is a tradition of gratitude set by our founding fathers. That is why we mark August 1 every year as Yaumul Shukur, to thank Allah and seek His protection for our state," he said.
The governor noted that Katsina has produced numerous distinguished sons and daughters whose contributions have transcended state boundaries and impacted Nigeria as a whole. He used the occasion to honor the legacies of former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as eminent jurists including Justices Muhammadu Bello, Mamman Nasir, and Umaru Abdullahi. He also paid homage to generations of Islamic scholars whose dedication to integrity and justice continues to inspire the state.
Unity Above Political Differences
Radda stressed that despite changes in government and political leadership, the people of Katsina must remain united and vigilant in safeguarding the state's collective well-being. He called on residents to see security not as a government issue alone but as a shared undertaking among all citizens.
The governor's appeal against politicising insecurity comes at a time when the state is confronting criminal activities, including banditry. He warned that exploiting the deaths of innocent people for political purposes would only deepen divisions and undermine the peace-building process.
Strengthening the Security Architecture
In outlining his administration's approach to tackling insecurity, Radda announced that significant investment had been made in the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. He said the corps had been recruited, trained, and equipped to complement the operations of conventional security agencies.
"We have recruited, trained and equipped the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to support conventional security agencies. We will use every lawful means to protect lives and property," Radda declared, underscoring his administration's commitment to confronting security threats head-on.
The governor also lauded the military, the police, and the Community Watch Corps for their recent joint operations, which reportedly led to the elimination of over 40 bandits, including a notorious kingpin. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would further degrade the capabilities of criminal gangs operating in the state.
A Stern Warning Against Exploitation
Addressing politicians and stakeholders directly, Radda categorically stated that human life is sacred and must never be traded for political advantage. "No one should use the death of innocent people to chase power. Human life is sacred. Security must come first," he warned.
The governor's message resonated with the broader theme of unity and resilience that defined the occasion, as he linked the state's historical bonds with its present-day security imperatives.
Emir of Daura: Preserve the Legacy
Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, called on residents to uphold the long-standing legacy of unity and brotherhood passed down by the forefathers of Katsina and Daura. He reminded the people of their shared history and the importance of maintaining trust and cooperation amid ongoing challenges.
The Yaumul Shukur gathering thus served not only as a moment of thanksgiving but also as a rallying point for the state's collective resolve to overcome insecurity and preserve its heritage, in line with the founding values of the merged provinces.
