Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has appealed to bandits operating across the North-West to abandon violence and return to their communities, assuring them that the government remains ready to support those who genuinely embrace peace and reintegration.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of 152 housing units built for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area.
Addressing those involved in banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities, Radda said the government was leaving the door open for dialogue and rehabilitation.
“To those our brothers and sisters in the bush or in the forest, to those who still raise weapons against our own people, to those who have taken to banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me very well today. There is a better way,” he said.
“The doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open to you. Lay down your arms, come back to your families, come back to your communities.”
He added that the benefits currently being extended to displaced residents could also be available to those who choose a peaceful path.
“The same houses, the same grants, the same opportunities being delivered here today can be yours tomorrow, not through fear, not through bloodshed, but through peace, good governance and honest labour.
“Choose your children over your weapons, choose prosperity over destruction and choose life,” the governor said, stressing that the state was prepared to welcome anyone willing to renounce violence.
Radda noted that insecurity in the North-West has grown into a complex challenge that extends beyond security concerns to include poverty, climate pressures, governance issues, social cohesion and economic opportunities.
He observed that what began years ago as disputes between farmers and herders gradually developed into widespread banditry, organised crime and the proliferation of illegal arms.
Reflecting on the housing project, the governor recalled that the initiative was launched in October 2024 through a partnership involving the Katsina State Government and development partners.
“What was then a vision is today a living reality, and that, distinguished guests, is what hope, partnership and resolute action can build together,” he said.
According to him, each beneficiary household will receive more than just accommodation. The support package includes mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking stoves, a bag of rice and a cash grant of N200,000.
“These houses are far more than walls and roofs. They are a promise kept to internally displaced families who endured the cruel pain of banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
“Families who lost loved ones, livelihoods and the simple dignity of a place to call home. Today, we restore that dignity. Today, we tell every displaced mother, father and child in Katsina State that they have not been forgotten and never will be,” he said.
Beyond housing, Radda said the intervention includes a Climate Peace Entrepreneurship Centre, solar-powered electricity infrastructure, a veterinary clinic, market stalls, upgraded sanitation facilities, rehabilitation of a cattle loading ramp, potable water supply and street lighting.
The governor also highlighted improvements in security across parts of the state, revealing that Jibia Local Government Area has not experienced any deliberate attack or kidnapping incident in recent years.
“Across the state, our farmers have returned to their fields in both rainy and dry seasons. Productivity has risen, and prices of several food items are beginning to ease. Children are returning to school. Markets are reopening. Hope is rising,” he said.
“Indeed, we are determined that the insecurity that has scarred our region will in the nearest possible future be confined to history, Insha Allah.”
Radda thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, the Norwegian Government and other partners for their support, describing the housing scheme as a foundation for broader collaboration aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
“The root causes of insecurity, poverty, displacement, climate stress, unemployment and weak livelihoods will not yield to one project, one ministry or one government acting alone. They demand sustained, coordinated and ambitious partnerships,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the project as a significant milestone in rebuilding communities affected by conflict and displacement.
“It is about families rebuilding their lives. It is about communities recovering from hardship. It is about creating opportunities for a more secure and prosperous future,” she said.
Attafuah acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity, displacement and climate-related pressures across North-West Nigeria but praised affected communities for their resilience.
“Despite these challenges, the people have shown remarkable resilience, and the investments we are commissioning today are designed to support that resilience,” she said.
According to her, the newly completed housing units represent far more than physical structures.
“The 152 housing units provide more than shelter, they provide dignity, stability and a place families can once again call home,” she added.