Rising Insecurity: Katsina Mobilises Imams To Pray For Peace
Overwhelmed by the rising security challenges in Katsina State, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has brought together Ulamas, Imams of Jumaat mosques, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations from across the state to seek divine intervention to end the conflicts.
The coordinated statewide prayers began on Wednesday in Katsina.
According to the governor, insecurity recognises no tribe, religion, or political party, as such requires unity, patience, and wisdom to overcome.
“Bandits do not ask whether you belong to AC, APC, PDP, or any other group. This is why we must come together as one united people, with patience, wisdom, and collective resolve. Violence cannot solve what dialogue, understanding, and cooperation should address,” he said on Wednesday while flagging off the prayer sessions.
He highlighted several measures already taken by his administration, including the recruitment and equipping of youths from frontline communities to support the Army, Police, and other security agencies.
Radda further cited the commissioning of eight armoured vehicles and the procurement of 700 motorcycles to enhance security operations across difficult terrains.
He also affirmed his administration’s commitment to humanitarian support, claiming that “whenever a person is kidnapped in Katsina State, once we receive credible information, the government immediately provides humanitarian support to the family and when victims are taken to hospitals, the Katsina State Government covers their treatment expenses.”
The governor decried the increasing moral decay in the society which has precipitated violence, distrusts and betrayals.
He urged scholars to continue guiding their followers with courage and truth.
“By God, I am not addressing insecurity because I expect re-election. No. I am doing it because of the responsibility Allah has placed on me—to protect lives and property. And God is our witness,” he declared.
Earlier, the state Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe emphasized the significance of prayer for peace and acknowledged the government’s efforts in strengthening security.
He also said the government has invested in the revival of agriculture and livestock sectors, which are heavily affected by banditry.
According to him, government alone cannot solve the security problem.
“We must also rebuild trust among ourselves. If parents, teachers, neighbours, and business people live without honesty and trust, insecurity will continue to grow,” he asserted.
In his remarks, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura, urged stakeholders to combine prayers with action so as to effectively address the security challenges.
On his part, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Isiyaku Dabai, explained that the coordinated prayer initiative was designed to seek Allah’s mercy and intervention in the security challenges confronting the state.
