Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has pledged to strengthen security operations and sustain peaceful coexistence in Matazu Local Government Area, following the community’s report of 45 days without a security attack.
Radda gave the assurance on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the District Head of Matazu, Alhaji Iro Maikano, ahead of the Tinubu-Dikko 2027 campaign rally in the area.
The governor said his administration would continue to work with security agencies, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.
He also promised sustained investment in infrastructure, peace-building and socio-economic development across the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Radda said traditional institutions remained important partners in addressing security and development challenges.
He thanked the people of Matazu for their support during previous elections, including party primaries and the general election.
The governor particularly commended the member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, for his cooperation and contributions to their collective responsibilities.
Radda said the visit was also an opportunity to appreciate the traditional institution and residents for their prayers and support.
“We have come to express our appreciation, seek your continued prayers and strengthen our relationship with our traditional rulers and the people of Matazu,” he said.
Beyond politics, the governor disclosed that his relationship with Matazu was personal, recalling his family’s longstanding ties to the community.
He said the District Head’s palace held special memories for him, as he was received there 25 years ago when his marriage was solemnised.
“Your Royal Highness, this house holds a special place in my life. It was here, 25 years ago, that I was received when my marriage was solemnised. My wife also comes from this family, making my relationship with Matazu a very personal one,” he said.
Radda recalled that the District Head had once humorously described their relationship as a 50-50 arrangement, with half of his identity belonging to Radda and the other half to Matazu.
He added that he had an elder sister and other family members in the household, describing himself as a son of Matazu.
Earlier, Maikano commended the governor for maintaining a cordial relationship with traditional institutions and recognising their contributions to community development.
The traditional ruler highlighted the construction of Sarki Duku Road and the road linking Giyanka to the Sarki Duku route, saying the projects had improved connectivity and eased movement for residents.
He also praised the administration’s response to water supply challenges, recalling instances when the governor directed relevant officials to visit affected communities and assess their needs.
On security, Maikano disclosed that Matazu had not recorded any security attack in the preceding 45 days.
He attributed the development to collaboration between security agencies and community stakeholders.
The traditional ruler also commended the administration’s approach of combining security operations with dialogue involving farmers, pastoralists and community leaders.
He said cooperation among the groups remained essential to sustaining peace in the area.
Maikano further acknowledged the government’s efforts to address outstanding payments and welfare concerns affecting retirees and civil servants.
He also recognised interventions targeting women, widows and other vulnerable households.
The royal father appreciated federal lawmakers for their constituency projects and collaboration with the state government, while assuring Radda of the community’s continued support.
Also speaking, the Matazu Local Government Chairman, Shamsuddeen Muhammad Sayaya, commended the governor for development interventions across the area.
Sayaya said residents had witnessed improvements in governance, rural development and economic empowerment.
“Your Excellency, although you have come to seek the support of our people, the people of Matazu consider it their responsibility to demonstrate their appreciation for your administration through their continued support,” he said.
He disclosed that the administration’s interventions had reached all 10 electoral wards of the local government, covering various aspects of public service delivery and community development.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe; Director-General of the Tinubu-Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and the campaign council’s Co-Chairman, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa.
Others included Senator Dandutse, the member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, traditional title holders, Islamic scholars and political stakeholders.
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