The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, has urged residents in the state not to hide when bandits attack, but to rise up and fight against them.

Umar urged the people to adopt self-defence mechanisms to protect themselves.

He stated this during a town hall meeting tagged: ‘Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process’, Daura Zone.

Naija News reports that Katsina has witnessed unprecedented bandits and terrorist attacks over the years.

Expressing concern over the situation, Radda said, “It is unfortunate that a few bandits/gunmen would raid and abuse a whole community. Even themselves (bandits), are afraid of death.

“Of all the terrorists operating in Katsina State, they are barely in possession of 700 rifles.

“Regrettably, three famished and emaciated bandits would hunt down 1,000 people while we look helplessly as some hide beneath their beds.”

He then asked, “Members of the clergy are here, and it’s mandatory upon them to pass to the general public Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s message concerning a robber that comes after your life or wealth. What did God command you to do?.”

“What humiliation! A situation where you stand idly watching while your wife or daughter is being raped? What is the essence of you being alive thereafter? Death is more honourable than some kinds of humiliation.

“They spare any community that they are aware resists their incursions. They don’t dare attack such communities.

“We must raise insurrections and wanton killings. We have to be battle-ready,” he added.

He pointed out that, “Anytime, five or even 10 of them raid your community and you mobilise like 500 people, before he eliminates five persons, you would have tamed him – whoever he is.

“It is just a façade…they are runaways and afraid of death even more than us. They only want to instil fear and anxiety in us.”