Community engagement key to tackling insecurity in Nigeria – Radda

…as Namadi mourns Jigawa ADC gov’ship aspirant

Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State has said that insecurity in Nigeria cannot be solved overnight, stressing that lasting peace requires thorough understanding, coordination, and active community participation.

He stated this on Tuesday while receiving participants of Senior Course 48 from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, during a study tour to the State.

The delegation, led by Brigadier General K. Rabiu, comprised 91 members, including military officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, academic staff, and international participants from The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.

Radda said Katsina was deliberately selected for the study because of its growing reputation in community-based security management.

“Security is not something that can be resolved overnight. It requires a thorough understanding and a coordinated approach. We believe your study will contribute to developing workable solutions for the country.

“Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity,” as timely, noting that sustainable security solutions must involve local communities.

“The kind of study you are undertaking is what the nation needs at this moment. It helps us understand the role communities can play in strengthening our security architecture at both sub-national and national levels,” he added.

Radda explained that before his administration came on board, several communities in Katsina were under severe security threats, prompting the government to adopt a community-driven strategy.

“We realised that the number of military, police, and civil defence personnel is far below what is required to effectively secure the country. That is why we had to adopt a community-driven approach,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Umar Namadi, Jigawa State Governor, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Abba Anas Adamu, governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former House of Representatives member, describing his passing as a great loss to the state and the country.

The governor spoke shortly after attending the funeral prayer of the late politician held on Tuesday in Kano, where family members, political associates, friends and sympathisers gathered to offer prayers for the repose of his soul.

According to Governor Namadi, the late lawmaker was a committed public servant who devoted much of his life to the service of humanity and the development of his people.

“Hon. Abba Anas Adamu dedicated a significant part of his life to public service and the upliftment of society. His death is a painful loss not only to Jigawa State but to the nation as a whole,” the governor said.

He noted that the deceased served in several capacities during his lifetime, including as a member of the House of Representatives, Chairman of Guri Local Government Area, Commissioner in Jigawa State, and as an academic.

Governor Namadi said the late politician would be remembered for his humility, commitment to democratic ideals and contributions to the political growth of the state.

“We will continue to remember him for his humility, dedication to democracy and his immense contributions to the political development of Jigawa State,” he added.