Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has urged residents to continue praying for peace, support security agencies and reject attempts to politicise insecurity, saying the protection of lives must remain above political interests.
The governor made the call on Saturday during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur, the state’s annual Thanksgiving Day commemorating the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda described security as a collective responsibility that should never be sacrificed for political ambition.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Radda said the annual gathering was a longstanding tradition of gratitude and reflection.
“This is not just a gathering. It is a tradition of gratitude set by our founding fathers. That is why we mark August 1 every year as Yaumul Shukur, to thank Allah and seek His protection for our state.”
The governor described Katsina as a state blessed with distinguished sons and daughters who have contributed to Nigeria’s development in public service, the judiciary and academia.
He paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as prominent jurists from Katsina and Daura, including Justice Muhammadu Bello, Justice Mamman Nasir and Justice Umaru Abdullahi, for their contributions to justice, leadership and national development.
Radda said while governments may change, the responsibility to protect Katsina remains constant and requires the collective commitment of all citizens.
He noted that the state government had strengthened its security architecture by recruiting, training and equipping the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to work alongside conventional security agencies.
“We have recruited, trained and equipped the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to support conventional security agencies. We will use every lawful means to protect lives and property.”
The governor also commended the military, police and members of the Community Watch Corps for recent joint security operations, which he said led to the neutralisation of more than 40 bandits, including a notorious kingpin.
He warned against exploiting insecurity and the loss of innocent lives for political advantage.
“No one should use the death of innocent people to chase power. Human life is sacred. Security must come first.”
Governor Radda called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to continue praying for peaceful elections, unity and sustained development across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Ishaq Shehu Dabai, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Khadi Ahmed Muhammad, described the event as an opportunity for citizens to express gratitude and support government efforts to improve security and public welfare.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, also urged residents to preserve the values of unity, peace and brotherhood handed down by the founding fathers of the former Katsina-Daura Provinces.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Head of Service Alhaji Falalu Baale, Chief of Staff Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials.
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