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Umar Radda Dikko, the Governor of Katsina State, has challenged residents to take up arms and defend themselves against bandits.
The governor spoke during a town hall meeting in Daura, tagged ‘Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process’.
Angry Radda, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, said in a trending video on social media: “It is unfortunate that a few bandits/gunmen would raid and abuse a whole community. Even themselves (bandits), are afraid of death.
“Of all the terrorists operating in Katsina State, they are barely in possession of 700 rifles.
“Regrettably, three famished and emaciated bandits would hunt down 1,000 people while we look helplessly as some hide beneath their beds.”
He challenged the clerics to sensitise the people on self-defence.
“Members of the clergy are here, and it’s mandatory upon them to pass to the general public Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s message concerning a robber that comes after your life or wealth. What did God command you to do?
“What humiliation! A situation where you stand idly watching while your wife or daughter is being raped? What is the essence of you being alive thereafter? Death is more honourable than some kinds of humiliation,” he said.
Dikko noted that the terrorists avoid areas where they would face resistance by the residents, adding that they too are afraid to die.
“They spare any community that they are aware resists their incursions. They don’t dare attack such communities.
“We must raise insurrections and wanton killings. We have to be battle-ready.
“Anytime, five or even 10 of them raid your community and you mobilise like 500 people, before he eliminates five persons, you would have tamed him – whoever he is.
“It is just a façade…they are runaways and afraid of death even more than us. They only want to instill fear and anxiety in us.”
Many feel that Dakko seemed to have indicted the ruling party over its inability to stem insecurity in the country.
Katsina State has been grappling with insecurity and has currently lost 13 of its local governments to the control of bandits.
