GOVERNOR Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has softened his earlier stance against negotiating with bandits terrorising communities across the state, declaring that the door remains open for dialogue with those willing to renounce violence and embrace peace.
News Point Nigeria reports that the governor said his administration is prepared to engage bandits and kidnappers who genuinely abandon criminal activities, stressing that the state government is willing to support their reintegration into society.
Radda made the appeal on Thursday during the official commissioning and handover of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area.
The housing units were constructed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Northwest Prevention Facility Project with support from the Government of Germany in partnership with the Katsina State Government.
Addressing those still involved in criminal activities, the governor urged them to abandon violence, embrace dialogue and surrender their weapons in the interest of peace, security and development.
He assured them that government support and opportunities could be extended to them if they genuinely choose the path of peace and lay down their arms.
“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path; the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open,” Radda said.
“Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities. The same houses, grants and opportunities being provided here today can be available to you tomorrow. Not through fear or bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour.
“Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life,” he added.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing lawful and practical measures aimed at ending the persistent insecurity affecting many communities across Katsina State.
According to him, lasting peace remains critical to the state’s growth and development, assuring residents that his government will continue to support initiatives that promote stability, rehabilitation and community recovery.
Radda further stressed that sustainable peace and security are necessary for the restoration of normalcy in affected communities and pledged continued collaboration with development partners and stakeholders to rebuild lives and strengthen resilience across the state.
