Katsina govt arms community watch, vigilantes to fight bandits

The Katsina State Government has approved the procurement of 5,000 cartons of ammunition for community watch corps, vigilante groups, and hunters to strengthen the fight against banditry across the state.

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The decision was taken on Wednesday at the 14th regular meeting of the State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Dikko Radda, according to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, said the move was aimed at bolstering collaboration between formal security agencies and local groups already assisting in counter-banditry operations.

“This initiative strengthens collaboration with our security operatives and enhances public safety, allowing residents to live without fear of banditry,” Mr Zango said.

Beyond security, the council also approved projects in transport, education, and social welfare.

The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Sani Ingawa, said the government would acquire 30 hybrid buses to ease student commuting and reduce emissions.

He added that the council also gave the green light for the construction of the Daura Western Bypass Dual Carriageway, a 11.43-kilometre road project with a 3-km spur connecting the Daura–Katsina federal highway.

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On education, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa, announced that the government will install solar-powered water systems, science and technical equipment, CCTV cameras, solar streetlights, and backup generators at the Special Model School in Radda.

She further disclosed that the council declared a state of emergency on dilapidated primary schools. Under the first phase, 10 of the most run-down schools in each of the 34 local government areas will undergo rehabilitation.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’adua, said the council approved empowerment training and settlement packages for widows and other vulnerable women, particularly those affected by banditry.

READ ALSO: Biometric audit in Katsina uncovers 3,488 ghost workers, projects ₦5.7bn savings

Similarly, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Aisha Malunfashi, announced the launch of a Graduate Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme to provide soft loans for indigent graduates to set up small businesses.

The council also endorsed the remodelling and digital automation of the State Executive Council Chamber to improve governance processes.

The decisions, officials said, reflects Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda, which prioritises security, education, youth employment, and inclusive development.