Katsina Gov Radda explains why he approved residents’ negotiation with bandits

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda has explained the rationale behind the approval for residents of the state to negotiate with bandits operating in their communities.

He said that the people of Katsina state also informed him that one way they could achieve sustainable peace was through negotiations with bandits.

According to the governor, the residents had suffered and lost so much following several attacks by bandits in their communities and were eager for a lasting solution to the insecurity ravaging their communities.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television Sunrise Daily, Radda said, “I was the first to put that position forward but the problem we have here was when the challenge was so much.

“The communities approached me and said, “look, your Excellency, we have met with these people, they are ready to lay their arms and we have suffered so much,” Radda said.

The governor further stated that the residents had expressed concern over their inability to get the needed protection from the relevant security agencies and that there were left with no option but to trust the insurgents with their deals.

“They told me, sir allow us to negotiate with these people if we can find peace,” he said.

He said he reached an agreement with the residents that he would not be part of their deal with the insurgents.

“I said you can go ahead but I will not be part of it. So they went ahead, as I speak to you today, some local government that have entered into that peaceful negotiation with the bandits. And for over a year, no attacks in those places,” Radda added.