Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina state has expressed concerns over the state’s ongoing security challenges, lamenting the limited police presence in some areas.
In an interview with DW Hausa, Governor Radda revealed that a county (local government area) in the state, which has 10 wards and more than 200 villages, is patrolled by just 39 police officers. He did not specify which county but added that these officers are equipped with only nine guns, five of which are operational.
“Currently in Katsina, there is a local government area with 39 policemen and nine guns, and the serviceable guns are five,” the Governor stated. “The local government area has 10 political wards, with more than 200 villages. How can a police force with 39 personnel protect them?”
Katsina State, in Northwestern Nigeria, has been under frequent attacks by bandits. Recently, Governor Radda called on residents to adopt self-defense measures against these attacks.
He emphasized the need for local communities to take an active role in defending themselves. “We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals,” he said.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
