The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda has lamented that his state doesn’t have enough police officers to counter insurgency.
According to the governor, only 32 police officers are assigned to patrol a particular Local Government Area (LGA) within the state.
Although the Governor did not specify which LGA he was referring to, Radda noted that it encompasses ten wards and more than 200 villages.
He further indicated that out of the 32 officers, only nine firearms are at their disposal, with just five of those being functional.
Governor Radda disclosed these during a recent interaction with DW Hausa.
He said: “Currently, in Katsina, there is a local government area with 39 policemen and nine guns, and the serviceable guns are five.
“The LGA has 10 political wards, with more than 200 villages. How can a police force with 39 personnel protect them?
“We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents.”
Recall that Katsina has faced significant assaults from bandits. Recently, Governor Radda urged the residents to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves from these attacks.
He addressed the community during a town hall meeting held in Daura.
In a widely circulated video, Radda expressed his anger and urged Islamic scholars to educate the populace on the significance of self-defence as outlined in Islamic teachings.
The governor had previously issued a similar appeal in February.
Additionally, his commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, has made a comparable request recently.
