Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has urged residents not to politicise the state’s security challenges, calling instead for prayers, unity and cooperation with security agencies to restore lasting peace.
The governor made the appeal on Saturday, August 1, during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur (Thanksgiving Day), held to commemorate the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces.
Radda described insecurity as a collective challenge that should not be exploited for political purposes. He said: “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 Katsina had produced many distinguished sons and daughters who had made significant contributions to Nigeria and beyond.
The governor also paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as eminent jurists including Justices Muhammadu Bello, Mamman Nasir and Umaru Abdullahi, and generations of Islamic scholars for their legacies of integrity and justice. Radda stressed that while administrations may change, the state must remain united and protected.
He said his administration had strengthened the state’s security architecture by recruiting, training and equipping the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to work alongside conventional security agencies. “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 also commended the military, police and the Community Watch Corps for recent joint operations, which he said resulted in the killing of more than 40 bandits, including a notorious kingpin.
He warned politicians and other stakeholders against using the deaths of innocent people for political advantage. He said: “No one should use the death of innocent people to chase power. Human life is sacred. Security must come first.”
Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, urged residents to preserve the long-standing legacy of unity and brotherhood inherited from the forefathers of Katsina and Daura.