Radda: Why I Cut Short My Medical Leave

KATSINA State Governor, Dikko Radda, has disclosed that he had to cut short his medical leave abroad due to the security incident at Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Council, which left over 30 people dead.
Radda who stated this shortly after visiting the community, expressed deep sorrow over the bandit attack and the condition the incident had left both residents and their properties.
Radda had travelled abroad on a three-week medical leave following an auto crash along the Katsina-Daura road some weeks ago and was scheduled to resume office on September 5.
However, a statement by the state House of Assembly said the governor requested that his medical leave be cut short, which was graciously granted.
Radda said what he saw in the community was heartbreaking, with orphans, burnt houses and families in distress, adding: “We asked them what they need and I assured them that government will address those challenges one by one.”
He said the community was attacked in reprisal after villagers earlier repelled bandits, killing seven of them and seizing weapons, disclosing that 32 people were killed in the recent attack, including 20 in the mosque and 12 outside, while 20 houses were burnt and 76 villagers kidnapped, but regained their freedom the next day following a swift Nigerian Air Force (NAF) strike.
The governor pledged immediate government intervention to ameliorate the pains of the victims, including a donation of N500,000 to each families of the deceased, as well as construction of school, road and other infrastructure.
He specifically directed the state Ministry of Works to assess the community’s road, and ordered the building of a new school and hospital in the community, promising to renovate the mosque, rebuild destroyed houses and assist families of the deceased.
Radda commended government and security operatives for their quick response, warning, however, against politicising the issue of insecurity, noting: “Security is about saving lives, not politics. Sadly, some people even celebrated these killings for political reasons. Without peace, nobody can govern or play politics.”
He said though issues of security lies with the Federal Government, the state would not fold its arms, but will “do everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and properties.”
The governor said residents of communities must also help to ensure this is possible by providing information that is actionable, even as he urged them to fish out those collaborating with bandits and supplying them with basic necessities.
He called on individuals, groups and politicians with genuine ideas on tackling insecurity to share them openly, adding: “We do not have a monopoly of knowledge. If you have superior ideas, bring them. If they work, we will adopt them.”