Governor Dikko Radda had said the Federal Government should reform its laws to allow civilians to buy arms for protection.
The governor contended that if bandits have free access to lethal weapons that they use to terrorize citizens, ordinary Nigerians should have the same leverage to ensure their safety.
Radda also wants Nigerians to stop holding governors accountable for security issues in their states, pointing out that, despite being referred to as chief security officers, governors lack the authority to command security agencies.
The governor made these remarks during a press conference in Katsina on Friday, October 20, 2023. He urged the federal government to play a larger role in protecting lives and property in the county.
“If a bandit can go to the market and buy AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what of the people that want to protect themselves? They too should equally be allowed to do so.
These people are holding it illegally, we are trying to hold it legally. Why can’t the government allow the people to hold this thing and equally confront the challenges?” he queried.
Radda noted that his administration has explored legal means in establishing a ‘community watch corps’ that will complement the military’s efforts in the fight against banditry in the state.
He stated that bandits are hardened criminals who must be eliminated in Katsina and that his administration would spare no effort in ensuring that the criminals are crushed.
Radda also disclosed that some traditional rulers in the state were under probe over their alleged involvement with bandits, stressing that whoever was found to be in cahoot with the criminals would be made to face the wrath of the law no matter how highly placed.
“There are some traditional rulers who are identified and those ones are already under scrutiny. So, we are not sparing anybody even commissioners in my regime, we are not going to spare anybody found to be involved in one criminal activity or the other” the governor stated.
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