Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, has defended his decision to allow some communities in the state to negotiate with bandits, saying the move was influenced by residents seeking peace after years of attacks and insecurity.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the governor said some affected communities approached his administration, insisting that dialogue was the best option to end the violence in their areas.
“As long as it will give us the result we need, who wants to fight?” Radda said while explaining why the state permitted the talks.
According to him, several residents complained that despite security operations, many communities continued to suffer attacks and displacement.
“The communities came to me and said they had met with these people and they were ready to lay down their arms. They said they had suffered for too long and were not getting the protection they expected from security agencies,” he stated.
Radda explained that although he approved the discussions, he chose not to be directly involved in the negotiations.
“I told them to go ahead if they believed it would bring peace, but I would not personally take part in it,” he added.
The governor also disclosed that some communities that embraced dialogue with the bandits have reportedly recorded peace for over one year without fresh attacks.
“As of today, some of those communities that chose negotiation have not experienced any attack for more than one year,” he said.
Defending the move, the Katsina governor maintained that he acted based on the wishes of the people.
“I allowed it because that was what the people wanted. They gave me the mandate to lead them, so I cannot ignore what they believe will bring peace to their communities,” Radda said.
He added that the relative calm in some affected communities has allowed residents to gradually return to farming and other daily activities without fear of violence.