Katsina Elders Criticize Federal Government on Insecurity Issues
The Katsina State Elders Forum (KSEF) has voiced concerns about how the Federal Government is handling security, economic challenges, and alleged LGBT policies.
KSEF criticized the government’s weak response to ongoing threats from bandits, noting that these threats are impacting 12 local governments in Katsina State.
Malam Aliyu Mohammed, the forum’s secretary, highlighted the severe challenges facing the state and called for urgent federal help at a press briefing.
“We have repeatedly asked the Federal Government to support the state’s efforts to protect lives and property. Unfortunately, the government has not met expectations. Bandits continue to kill our people, burn their properties, seize their farms, and destroy their homes,” he said.
Aliyu expressed concern about the safety of residents and travelers, questioning the inaction of the two ministers of defense from the North.
“If you travel, you are uncertain if you will return safely. It is unfortunate that the defense ministers, who are from the North, have not done enough to protect the region. Bandit attacks seem to be concentrated in this part of the country, which is very troubling,” he added.
Aliyu also criticized the lack of response from federal officials to the violence in Katsina, stating that no ministers or the president have offered condolences or support to the victims, leading to an increase in begging due to banditry.
He praised the efforts of the Katsina State Governor for establishing the Security Watch Corps, but noted that these community forces lack the sophisticated weapons available to the bandits. He questioned why soldiers can achieve peace in other countries but not in northern Nigeria.
“We urge the federal government to take immediate action. Deploy soldiers to the forests to fight the bandits, as their locations are known. We appeal to Mr. President to save the North, especially Katsina State,” he said.
The forum also strongly opposed recent federal actions on LGBT rights allegedly signed by the Budget Minister.
“Katsina State rejects this arrangement as we are 98 percent Muslim, and even Christianity opposes same-sex marriage. We plead with Mr. President to reverse this decision immediately, as it is causing widespread discontent,” he stated.
On the issue of severe poverty in the North, Elder Aliyu described widespread hunger and economic distress, blaming the Federal Government for failing to provide basic needs.
“Our people are very poor, with many resorting to begging due to lack of food,” he said.
He urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address these issues and to appoint more effective advisers.
