Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has advised residents of the state to defend themselves against bandit attacks by taking proactive measures instead of depending entirely on intervention by the government.

The call was made by the governor on Friday during a lengthy emergency security briefing at Government House in Katsina.

Radda emphasised the urgent need for quick action while underlining the critical need to address the state's rising levels of food shortages, insecurity, and poverty. Along with top government officials, prominent traditional rulers from Daura and Katsina, heads of security, and commanders of paramilitary organisations attended the meeting.

He said “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 further said that a task force to address the state's growing insecurity and increasing food prices was being considered by the administration.

He assured people that the state government would not wait for the unrest that occurred in Kano and Niger states to spread to Katsina state, but would instead react quickly and take appropriate action.