Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, has said he cut short his medical leave following the security incident at Unguwan Mantau, in Malumfashi Local Government Area, which left more than 30 people dead.
Governor Radda, who stated this shortly after visiting the community, expressed deep sorrow over the bandit attack and the condition the incident had left both residents and their properties.
The governor had earlier travelled abroad on a three-week medical leave after he was involved in an accident along the Katsina-Daura road some weeks ago.
He was scheduled to resume office on September 5, but a statement by the state House of Assembly said Radda requested his medical leave be cut short, a request which the lawmakers graciously granted.
Speaking, Radda said what he saw in the community was heartbreaking.
“What I saw was heartbreaking: orphans, burnt houses, and families in distress. We asked them what they need, and I assured them the government will address those challenges one by one,” he said.
Radda said the community was attacked in reprisal after villagers earlier repelled bandits, killing seven and seizing weapons.
According to him, 32 people were killed — 20 in the mosque and 12 outside — while 20 houses were burnt and 76 villagers kidnapped, though a swift Nigerian Air Force (NAF) strike secured their release the next day.
Radda pledged immediate intervention for victims of the incident, including a donation of N500,000 to each family of those who lost loved ones.
Specifically, the governor directed the Ministry of Works to conduct an assessment of the community’s roads and ordered plans for a new school and hospital to be constructed.
He further promised mosque renovation, rebuilding of destroyed houses, and assistance for the families of the deceased.
Radda, who commended government and security operatives for their quick response following the attack, however, warned against politicising the issue of insecurity.
He said, “Security is about saving lives, not politics. Sadly, some people even celebrated these killings for political reasons. Without peace, nobody can govern or play politics,” he said.
He said, though security lies with the Federal Government, the state would not fold its arms but will “do everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and properties.”
Radda, however, said that residents of communities must also help ensure this is possible by providing actionable information.
He also called on residents to fish out those collaborating with bandits, as well as those supplying bandits with necessities.
He called on individuals, groups, and politicians with genuine ideas on tackling insecurity to share them openly, adding, “We do not have a monopoly on knowledge. If you have superior ideas, bring them. If they work, we will adopt them.”
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