Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has commended communities affected by insecurity for entering into peace deals with terrorists in the state. Radda stated this on Friday during his visit to the Batsari and Danmusa local councils as part of his ongoing tour of the state.
The governor said the peace agreements with terrorists have yielded positive results in councils previously plagued by insecurity. As proof, he drove through the once-dreaded Danburum Forest in Batsari Local Council during the tour.
The forest was formerly a haven for terrorists, where hundreds of people lost their lives and other atrocities were committed. However, following the recent peace deals between communities and bandits, the forest has become relatively peaceful, with farming and related activities gradually resuming.
The governor’s convoy briefly stopped in the middle of the forest on Friday, and some passengers disembarked, walked some distance into the forest, and picked edible wild fruits. A source in the convoy said some of the fruits were later given to the governor and other dignitaries.
Radda noted that although the state is not entirely free from bandit activity, the peace deals have led to improved security in affected communities.
“We thank God that the peace deal initiative organised by the communities is yielding very positive results. I can say that in the last few days, I have not received a single incident report from the security forces, unlike before,” he said.
He added that the government agency responsible for covering medical and related bills for victims of terrorism reported spending less than N2 million on such treatments in November, compared to more than N40 million monthly in the past.
He also disclosed that support for rescued kidnap victims and families of those killed has significantly reduced, noting, “We have not paid that amount of money for a very long time.”
The governor reiterated that although the state still faces some security challenges, substantial progress has been made. He urged religious leaders to continue praying for lasting peace so that the peace deal can be sustained.
