Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, actively participated on Saturday in a joint operation alongside security personnel and military troops to thwart an impending attack on Zakka village in Safana Local Government Area.
Governor Radda, present during the operation, witnessed the successful rescue of a 33-year-old man previously abducted by armed bandits, as reported by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
Mohammed conveyed that Governor Radda, in Safana local government for the commencement of an empowerment program sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, swiftly responded to a distress security call, alerting him to a planned terrorist attack on Zakka village.
“After the intelligence report on the planned terrorist attack was revealed to Governor Radda around 1pm, he immediately called off his involvement in the colourful empowerment programme of the Katsina House of Assembly Deputy Speaker.
“Mr Governor and a few members of his entourage then joined a combined team of security personnel, comprising men of the Nigerian Police, Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, ground troops of the Nigerian Army, and personnel of the Community Watch Corps, to engage the terrorists at Zakka Forest before the criminals advanced to the hills.
“A 33-year-old man was bravely rescued by the gallant troops after a heavy gun battle with the terrorists, which lasted almost 30 minutes. The terrorists were fortunate to escape without suffering any casualties after their callous mission was thwarted.
“After repelling the bandits, Governor Radda directed that the abducted man rescued by troops be taken to the hospital for urgent treatment, as he was shot in the leg by the bandits,” he said.
A cross-section of people in the area interviewed expressed happiness over the quick response from the governor and hoped for its sustenance.
They said the action displayed by the governor has clearly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to fighting insecurity in the state.
