Katsina Governor calls for tackling ungoverned spaces to secure Northwest

Katsina State Governor, Malam Umaru Dikko Radda, has identified tackling “ungoverned spaces” as a critical solution to insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s northwest region.

Delivering a lecture at the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) convocation ceremony on Friday, Governor Radda, a former teacher, highlighted the interconnectedness of insecurity and instability in the education sector. He pointed to Nigeria’s low ranking of 144th on the Global Peace Index, underlining the nation’s internal security challenges.

Governor Radda traced the historical roots of insecurity, from colonialism and military coups to the civil war and present-day issues like kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes.

He emphasized the emergence of Boko Haram as a turning point, citing the Chibok Girls’ abduction as a stark example of its devastating impact on education.

Shifting the focus to the current situation, Governor Radda addressed the prevalence of banditry and kidnappings in the northwest, pointing out student abductions in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna, stressing that over 10% of schools in Katsina are abandoned due to insecurity.

Proposing solutions, Governor Radda emphasized the need to address these “ungoverned spaces” where criminal activity thrives.

He called for improved policing, increased security personnel, and the establishment of local security structures with strong communication channels.

Governor Radda asserted, “Our objective is to find a lasting solution. We must tackle ungoverned spaces across the country. These areas lack government influence, leaving residents with limited opportunities and vulnerable to criminal recruitment. It explains how criminals can abduct students and evade capture despite available technology. Reducing ungoverned spaces is key to intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community involvement in combating insecurity.”

The Governor further stressed the importance of socio-economic development. He advocated for investment in underserved communities, education, and skills training to address the root causes of criminal recruitment.

Governor Radda concluded with a call to action, emphasizing education as the cornerstone of national prosperity. He urged collaboration between the government and stakeholders to create a more secure and stable learning environment for future generations.