Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has said that lasting peace remains essential for the state’s development, adding that the door to negotiation is open to those willing to embrace peace across the state.
According to him, the state government is willing to engage bandits and kidnappers who genuinely denounce criminal activities, stressing that it is also prepared to facilitate their reintegration.
He urged them to abandon violence, embrace dialogue and surrender their weapons in the interest of peace and development.
The governor reportedly made the appeal during the official commissioning and handover of 152 housing units to internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
The houses were constructed under the UNDP Northwest Prevention Facility Project, with support from the government of Germany in partnership with the state government.
The governor urged those still involved in criminal activities to turn a new leaf and return to their families and communities, assuring them that government support and opportunities could also be extended to them if they choose the path of peace and lay down their weapons.
“To our brothers and sisters in the bush and forests, to those who still raise weapons against innocent people, and to those engaged in banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: there is a better path, the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open,” he said.
Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing lawful and practical measures aimed at ending the persistent insecurity confronting many communities
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