Schools and Markets Close Amid Rising Insecurity in Eight Katsina LGs

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity affecting eight local government areas in the state.

Speaking on Monday in Katsina during the launch of an 18-month European Union-funded initiative on Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience, Governor Radda identified the affected LGAs as Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Safana, Sabuwa, Faskari, and Dandume.

He highlighted that bandit attacks and communal clashes have led to the closure of schools and markets, displacement of thousands of residents, and abandonment of farmlands.

“In these communities, children have been kept out of school, parents have buried their children, and elders have fled their ancestral homes. These are unprecedented security and humanitarian challenges,” he lamented.

Governor Radda also pointed to environmental issues such as drought, desertification, shrinking farmlands, and outdated land use practices as factors exacerbating resource-based conflicts.

He further noted that economic stagnation and rising youth unemployment have worsened the situation.

The governor revealed that his administration has prioritized dialogue and negotiation to tackle insecurity. Community-led peace agreements have already yielded positive outcomes in Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kurfi LGAs, while talks continue in Kankara and Safana.