From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has said there may never be an end to the persistent state of insecurity nationwide until each state established its police force.
The Governor who spoke in Abuja yesterday noted that the level of insecurity in the country had necessitated the need to have open discussions about innovative solutions to fight insecurity.
A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, said that Radda spoke at a two-day roundtable discussion programme at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups, with the theme, “Multi-dimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria.”
According to the statement, “It is essential to understand that the outfits created by some state governments to fight insecurity are not traditional law enforcement agencies.
“We must take into account all stakeholders and absolutely provide support and protection to the victims of insecurity, and establishing state police remains the only viable option to end insecurity.
“The North-West region particularly, in recent years, has faced an alarming surge in various forms of insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and communal conflicts.
“These challenges have disrupted the lives of countless Nigerians and hindered economic growth and development in the area. Addressing this crisis requires concerted effort and a unified approach transcending state boundaries.
“To understand the significance of regional cooperation in the fight against insecurity, several factors must be considered. The first is the cross-border nature of insecurity.
“Our experience with bandits shows that they operate freely between Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.
“Any effort to push them out of one state leads them to safe haven in neighbouring states and they often return to their original base.
“The regional approach requires targeted coordination towards socioeconomic development to reduce poverty and associated insecurity.
“To this end, the North-West governors approached the African Development Bank to solicit investments in agriculture and power.
“We are now embarking on an inaugural North-West peace and security summit in partnership with the UNDP to bring all stakeholders and our best minds together to find solution to the ongoing insecurity in the region.”