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By Hon. Mannir Wurma

First, let me solemnly commiserate with the government and people of the communities in Katsina State that recently suffered brutal attacks by those murderous, heartless criminals, terrorists often euphemistically called bandits. I also acknowledge the numerous condolences pouring in from within and outside the state. This is indeed a moment of grief for all lovers of humanity.

For years, Nigeria has grappled with monumental losses in human, material, educational, and moral terms arising from this menace. Consequently, both friends and critics have interrogated every effort, policy, and action directed at tackling it. Regardless of motives, it is important to situate these attacks within their wider context and examine the government’s resolve to confront them.

The Insecurity Situation: An Overview

The crisis afflicting Northern Nigeria, and Katsina State in particular, cannot be explained away by simplistic narratives. Terrorism in the form of mass killings, kidnapping, and cattle rustling has deep sociological roots. Ironically, perpetrators and victims often share long-standing relationships. Over time, other non-state actors capitalized on these tensions and deepened the crisis.

What began as farmers and herders clashes over grazing areas snowballed into the devastating insecurity we face today. The failure to decisively address the early signs has led to an escalation whose consequences are overwhelming: communities sacked, lives wasted, properties destroyed, and entire populations traumatized.

The violence spares no one, old or young, rich or poor, men or women. A war economy has emerged, where a few unscrupulous individuals benefit while the majority remain subjugated. Beyond numbers and statistics, the anguish and despair of victims cannot be quantified.

Yet, amid this tragedy, government responses are often dismissed unfairly. Some observers react emotionally, others are swayed by sensational media reports, and a few approach the issue with political bias. Critics brand government as complacent or indifferent, while conspiracy theorists exploit the situation with wild claims.

But the pertinent question remains: Is government so callous as to turn a blind eye to the suffering of its people? The answer is certainly not.

Governor Radda’s Commitment

Against this backdrop, the policy objectives of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda’s administration must be understood. From the very beginning, Governor Radda declared security as the foremost priority of his government. With clarity of vision and the passion of a patriot, he has rolled out both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to confront terrorism head-on.

Having himself been a victim of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, the Governor deeply understands what ordinary citizens endure. This personal experience has strengthened his resolve to design carefully planned and people-centered approaches in the fight against insecurity. For his administration, security is not merely a policy, it is a cardinal mission.

*Hon. Mannir Wurma is the Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Katsina State Government

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