The Katsina government has empowered 1,016 political thugs” in the state with N252 million to become productive and self-reliant.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the 361 political wards in the 34 LGAs of the state, according to Channels TV.

At the empowerment programme on Tuesday, Governor Dikko Radda explained that the gesture was designed to take the thugs off the streets and discourage them from begging across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Mr Radda noted that the N252 million earmarked for the programme was in fulfilment of his campaign promises.

Speaking at the event, the Internal Security and Home Affairs commissioner in the state, Nasiru Danmusa, said Nigeria has 237 million people, with 41 per cent of the population being between the ages of one to five and 52 per cent being between the ages of 15-65.

“This means 93 per cent are between 1-65. Forty per cent of the population are living below the poverty line. In the North, 77.7 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line.

“This is why the state government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda is initiating various programs aimed at empowering the youth,” Mr Dansmusa said.

The Kastina government introduced measures to reverse the trend after being worried about the rampant practice of thuggery in the state.