Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has urged residents of the state to take proactive measures in defending themselves against attacks by bandits, rather than solely relying on government intervention.

The governor made the call on Friday at the Government House in Katsina during an extensive emergency security meeting.

While highlighting the pressing need to address the rise in insecurity, food shortages and poverty within the state, Radda stressed the necessity for immediate action.

The meeting attended by security chiefs, leaders of paramilitary agencies and prominent traditional rulers from Katsina and Daura, alongside senior government officials.

“This meeting was called to review the security situation as well as rising poverty and food scarcity in the state.

“We must review the security situation in the state, take action to find a solution, and address these challenges. Apart from insecurity, there are other challenges like the rising cost of food and hunger amongst the population.

“Government is fully prepared to assist any community that organises themselves in their respective areas through training and the provision of logistics.”

The governor said that the state government was contemplating establishing a taskforce that would stem rising food prices and insecurity in the state.

He assured the people that the state government would think and act fast, rather than wait for the riots that happened in Kano and Niger states to extend to Katsina State.