Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on residents to avoid politicising the state’s security challenges, urging citizens instead to unite in support of ongoing efforts to restore peace.

The governor made the appeal on Saturday during the 2026 Yaumul Shukur (Thanksgiving Day), held to commemorate the 1934 merger of the former Katsina and Daura Provinces.

Radda described insecurity as a collective challenge that demands cooperation from all stakeholders, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity, prayers and shared responsibility.

He explained that the annual thanksgiving ceremony was instituted by the state’s founding fathers as a time to express gratitude to Allah and seek continued peace and protection for Katsina.

The governor also paid tribute to former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, alongside distinguished jurists and Islamic scholars, for their contributions to the development of Katsina State and Nigeria.

Highlighting his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity, Radda said the state had strengthened its security architecture through the recruitment, training and equipping of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to complement conventional security agencies.

He commended the military, police and members of the Community Watch Corps for recent joint operations, which he said resulted in the elimination of more than 40 suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin.

The governor also cautioned politicians and other stakeholders against exploiting insecurity and the loss of innocent lives for political gain.

“No one should use the death of innocent people to pursue political interests. Human life is sacred, and security must remain our collective priority,” Radda said.

Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, urged residents to preserve the enduring legacy of unity and brotherhood handed down by the founding fathers of Katsina and Daura.