Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has publicly acknowledged that local peace initiatives with armed groups are producing tangible security improvements in areas previously ravaged by banditry.
Governor's Forest Drive Signals Change
The governor made this assessment on Friday, December 6, 2024, during his official tour of the Batsari and Danmusa local government areas. As a powerful demonstration of the changed situation, Governor Radda's convoy traveled along the road cutting through the infamous Danburum forest in Batsari, a location once considered a deadly no-go area and a haven for bandits.
"The forest was a haven for bandits and hundreds of people have lost their lives there," the governor noted, referencing the past atrocities committed in the area. In a remarkable show of confidence, the convoy even made a brief stop within the forest, where passengers disembarked, walked some distance, and picked wild fruits to eat, some of which were later given to the governor and his entourage.
Sharp Drop in Violence and Victim Support Costs
Governor Radda presented concrete data to back his claims of progress. He revealed that a state agency responsible for covering medical bills for banditry victims reported spending less than N2 million in November 2024 for such treatments. This figure marks a drastic reduction from the previous monthly expenditure, which often exceeded N40 million.
Similarly, financial support provided to rescued kidnap victims and families of the deceased has also seen a major decline. "We have not paid that amount of money for a very long time," Radda stated, indicating a reduction in fresh incidents requiring such payouts.
Security Gains and a Call for Sustained Peace
While cautioning that the state is not entirely free from security challenges, the governor emphasized the significant strides made. "I can say that in the last few days, I have not received one single incident in the state from the security forces like I had been receiving," he told communities during his visit.
The governor commended the affected communities for taking the initiative to engage in dialogue. He attributed the relative peace now enjoyed in places like the Danburum forest, where farming activities are gradually resuming, to these local peace deals. To ensure the sustainability of this fragile peace, Governor Radda called on religious leaders across Katsina to continue praying for lasting peace in the region.
