From Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
When the dust of fear settled over Mantau, a quiet agrarian community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, after a deadly banditry attack, its residents were left in shock, mourning and uncertainty. Families grieved the loss of loved ones, survivors struggled to regain normalcy and the community faced the daunting task of rebuilding lives and livelihoods shattered overnight. At a time when many might have felt abandoned, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, stepped in with a message of solidarity, one that has since transformed into concrete action and renewed hope.
The Governor’s visit to Mantau shortly after the incident was not just symbolic; it was deeply reassuring. Standing amidst the people in their moment of pain, Governor Radda pledged not to leave them to their fate. He promised to support every household affected by the attack, rebuild infrastructure and restore the community’s confidence in governance. True to his word, each resident of the community was given ₦500,000 as an immediate relief package, a gesture that not only provided financial support but also served as a psychological balm. For a community that had just faced terror, the Governor’s prompt intervention was a powerful reminder that government could be present, compassionate and proactive.
On 13th September 2025, the administration took yet another significant step toward fulfilling its commitment. A committee on victims of banditry, headed by the Special Adviser on Security and Community Watch, Yusuf Ibrahim Safana, was dispatched to Mantau to deliver financial and material support to different categories of victims. Those who had been abducted and later released were given ₦100,000 each to help them reintegrate and rebuild their lives. Families who lost loved ones received an additional ₦200,000 along with a bag of rice and maize, a gesture both symbolic and practical, offering sustenance in a time of grief.
For business owners whose shops were burnt during the attack, the government provided ₦500,000 to restart their businesses. Most notably, residents whose houses were destroyed are to receive ₦2 million each to rebuild their homes. This measure, in particular, struck a deep chord in Mantau, where the loss of a home is not merely material but a profound disruption of family life and dignity. By ensuring that these homes are rebuilt, Governor Radda is not only restoring shelter but also reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring the social fabric of the community.
The intervention is not an isolated effort but part of a broader vision Governor Radda has for Katsina State. one that prioritizes security, community resilience and human dignity. Since assuming office, the Governor has made rural security and the fight against banditry a cornerstone of his administration. His approach has been holistic, combining kinetic measures such as improved security deployments with non-kinetic strategies like community watch programs, intelligence sharing, and victim support.
Indeed, trust and psychological healing are as crucial as physical reconstruction. In the aftermath of violence, communities often face fear, suspicion, and emotional trauma that can last for years. Governor Radda’s decision to personally engage with the community and then follow up with practical support has been described by many as “governance with a human face.” It signals to other communities that they are not alone and that the state government sees their pain as its own.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Galadiman Katsina Justice Sadiq Mahuta, commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the people. He described the intervention as “a mark of true leadership,” one that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens above politics. He further urged the people of Mantau and Katsina at large to intensify prayers for peace, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires both divine guidance and collective effort.
The Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government, in his welcome address, also expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s visit and for what he described as a rare demonstration of consistency in leadership. “Many leaders make promises during crises and disappear when the cameras are gone,” he said. “But Governor Radda has shown that he is a man of his word. This support will help our people rebuild and stand on their feet again.
”Beyond the immediate financial relief, the Governor’s promise to construct a road, hospital and school in Mantau is perhaps one of the most important legacies of this intervention. Roads will improve access to markets and security presence, the hospital will ensure that victims of future emergencies receive prompt care and the school will give children a chance at education even in the face of adversity. Collectively, these projects are aimed at breaking the cycle of vulnerability that often leaves rural communities exposed to criminal attacks.
This approach reflects Governor Radda’s broader philosophy of tackling insecurity not just as a law and order challenge but as a developmental issue. He has repeatedly emphasized that poverty, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure create fertile ground for insecurity and that government must address these root causes if lasting peace is to be achieved. By investing in Mantau’s future, the Governor is not only fulfilling a promise but also laying the foundation for a more resilient community that can withstand the pressures of insecurity.
Residents of Mantau expressed mixed emotions, grief for what was lost but gratitude for the support received. For Asiya, a mother of Five whose husband was among those killed in the attack, the relief package is both an emotional and practical lifeline. “Nothing can bring back my husband,” she said quietly, clutching the bag of rice given to her, “but knowing that the government cares for us gives me strength to carry on.”
For many like Asiya, such gestures go beyond charity, they represent recognition of their pain and acknowledgment that their lives matter. This human dimension is what makes the intervention significant. It is not just about money but about rebuilding hope, dignity and trust.
As Katsina State continues to grapple with security challenges, the Mantau initiative stands as a testament to what is possible when government takes ownership of its responsibility to protect and support its citizens. It demonstrates that governance is not merely about building infrastructure but about building trust, healing wounds and restoring hope.
Governor Radda’s actions are a reminder that leadership, at its best, is about empathy and service. By walking alongside the people of Mantau through their darkest hour and helping them rebuild, he has sent a clear message that no community is too small to deserve government’s attention and no tragedy too great to overcome with collective effort.
The road to lasting peace in Katsina may still be long and challenging but initiatives like this are critical steps in the right direction. For the people of Mantau, the Governor’s support is more than just a promise fulfilled, it is a new chapter, a chance to rebuild their lives and a reason to believe that the future can be brighter than the past.