Hussaini Kafi in Kano
“We were shocked, but grateful when we heard he was okay,” said Halima Yusuf, a schoolteacher in Daura. “Seeing him speak in that video brought comfort.”
The citizens and residents of Katsina state have expressed shock over the road accident involving the governor of the state, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda. In Daura, the state capital, a schoolteacher, Yusuf is among hundreds of sympathisers who voiced their fears.
Fears were fueled around the state as the road crash happened just less than one week former president Muhammadu Buhari was buried in Katsina, after he died in a London hospital.
In a time of increasing uncertainty, the accident and his escape from danger caused attention to the state.
For the citizens, Radda’s survival feels like a collective relief. “He didn’t talk like a politician in that video,” said Malam Tukur Shehu, a resident of Kankia. “He talked like someone who values his people.”
The accident occurred when a sudden head-on collision between his convoy and a Volkswagen Golf car along the Daura–Katsina highway transformed an otherwise normal journey into a moment of real danger. What began as a routine official trip on Sunday evening nearly turned tragic for the Governor.
Governor Radda, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, and one other official, was swiftly taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Daura before being transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further checks.
Now recovering at home under observation, the governor appeared in a 38-second video on Monday morning to calm fears and show appreciation. Seated casually and speaking directly to the people, he said, “By the will of Allah, we were tested with a car accident—but Alhamdulillah, we came out safe and unharmed.”
Radda went on to thank the people of Katsina, well-wishers, relatives, and colleagues for their outpouring of prayers and support. “This observation is just to ensure everything is fine, and by His Grace, I am doing well,” he added, with a reassuring tone and calm demeanor.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, who initially broke the news, confirmed the governor’s condition as stable. “The governor remains in high spirits and expresses deep gratitude to Almighty Allah and the people of Katsina for their support,” he stated.
The incident triggered widespread concern across the state, especially as it occurred while the governor was carrying out his official duties. On social media, particularly Facebook, hundreds of residents posted messages of relief and gratitude. Some took to Twitter, sharing clips of the governor’s video and offering prayers for his continued recovery.
As the governor continues to rest and recover, his message remains simple and sincere: “Once again, thank you for your heartfelt prayers.”
