Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has said his administration is ready to support the reintegration of bandits who genuinely renounce violence and embrace peace.
Radda said the state government remained open to dialogue, repentance and rehabilitation for those involved in banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, provided they were willing to lay down their arms and return to lawful living.
Naijaonpoint reports that the governor made the appeal on Thursday, June 11, during the inauguration of 152 housing units built for internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
Radda urged those still involved in violent crimes to abandon criminality and return to their communities.
According to him, the government is prepared to support repentant persons who show genuine commitment to peace and are willing to rebuild their lives through lawful means.
He said individuals who renounce violence would be given access to opportunities that could help them reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities.
The governor said the offer was part of broader efforts to restore peace, rebuild affected communities and reduce the hardship caused by insecurity in the state.
Speaking at the event, Radda said the housing project was designed to support families displaced by insecurity in Jibia and surrounding communities.
He said the project, which was launched in October 2024, was implemented through a partnership between the Katsina State Government and development partners.
The governor noted that the intervention was not limited to housing but also included facilities aimed at improving livelihoods, security and community resilience.
He said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to providing relief for displaced families and helping them regain stability after years of hardship.
Radda said the intervention also included the construction of a Climate Peace Entrepreneurship Centre, solar mini-grid electrification, a veterinary clinic and market stalls.
Other facilities provided, according to him, include VIP toilets at the cattle market, rehabilitation of the cattle loading ramp, potable water and street lights.
The governor said the facilities were meant to support economic recovery, strengthen peaceful coexistence and improve the living conditions of people affected by insecurity.
He added that the state government would continue to prioritise projects that directly address displacement, poverty and the effects of violent attacks on communities.
Radda said security in Jibia had improved in recent years, allowing farmers to return to their farms and helping to revive agricultural and commercial activities.
He noted that the return of farmers to their fields was important to food production, household income and the wider economy of the state.
The governor said his administration would continue to work with security agencies, community leaders and development partners to ensure that peace is sustained across vulnerable communities.
Radda acknowledged the support of development partners involved in the project, including the United Nations Development Programme, the German Government through GIZ and the Norwegian Government.
He said sustained collaboration remained essential to addressing insecurity, displacement and poverty in Katsina State.
The governor added that rebuilding communities affected by violence would require continued partnership, patience and collective commitment from government, security agencies, traditional institutions and residents.
He urged beneficiaries of the housing units and other facilities to make good use of them and support ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the area.
