Don’t Exploit Insecurity For Politics – Gov Radda

Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has cautioned politicians against exploiting insecurity and the killing of innocent people for political advantage, insisting that the protection of lives must remain above partisan interests.

The governor gave the warning during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur (Thanksgiving Day), the annual event commemorating the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces.

Addressing participants at the event, Radda said security was a collective responsibility that required the support of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

He stressed that Yaumul Shukur was a tradition established by the state’s founding fathers to thank Almighty Allah for His blessings and seek continued peace and protection for Katsina State.

“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 described Katsina as a state blessed with distinguished sons and daughters who had made significant contributions both within Nigeria and abroad.

He paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as eminent jurists and scholars from Katsina and Daura, including Justice Muhammadu Bello, Justice Mamman Nasir and Justice Umaru Abdullahi.

Radda said that while governments may change, Katsina would always remain, urging residents to work together to safeguard the state’s future.

He noted that his administration had recruited, trained and equipped the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state.

“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,” the governor said.

He also commended the military, the police and the Community Watch Corps for recent joint operations that neutralised more than 40 bandits, including a notorious kingpin.

Warning against politicising insecurity, Radda said, “No one should use the death of innocent people to chase power. Human life is sacred. Security must come first.”

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to continue praying for peace, peaceful elections and sustainable development in Katsina State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Ishaq Shehu Dabai, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Khadi Ahmed Muhammad, described Yaumul Shukur as a moment of gratitude and a platform to encourage public support for government efforts in security and social welfare.

The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, urged residents to preserve the enduring legacy of unity and brotherhood inherited from the founding fathers of Katsina and Daura.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Head of Service Alhaji Falalu Baale, Chief of Staff Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials.