Politics

See Reasons katstina Elders Criticize Federal Government

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 15th, 2024.

See Reasons katstina Elders Criticize Federal Government

Katsina Elders Criticize FG Over Insecurity, Poverty, and LGBT Issues

By Ogalah Ibrahim

The Katsina State Elders Forum (KSEF) has voiced strong concerns regarding the Federal Government’s approach to security, economic difficulties, and the purported policies on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues.

KSEF criticized the government’s inadequate response to the persistent threats from bandits, which continue to endanger lives in 12 local government areas of Katsina State. During a press briefing, the forum’s secretary, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, highlighted the urgent need for federal intervention to address these severe challenges.

“We have made numerous appeals to the Federal Government to support the state government’s efforts in protecting lives and property in Katsina. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has not met expectations. These criminals continue to kill our people, destroy their properties, seize their farms, and burn their homes,” Aliyu stated.

Expressing deep concern over the safety of residents and travelers, Aliyu also criticized the inaction of the two ministers of defense, who are from the North. “Traveling in the state means you are unsure of returning safely. Leaving home means you are unsure of finding your family safe. It’s disheartening that the defense ministers, who are from the North, have not done enough to protect our region. The killings are concentrated in this part of the country, and we are extremely disturbed by this situation.

“Hundreds have been killed in Katsina. Neither the ministers nor the president have shown any empathy by visiting to console the people or provide relief to the victims. This neglect has led to an increase in begging as a result of the banditry.

Governor Dikko Radda has made significant efforts, including establishing the Security Watch Corps. However, these community corps members are not permitted to use sophisticated weapons like the bandits. The soldiers have not been effective either. We are struggling to understand the root of the problem. Why can our soldiers achieve peace in other countries but not in northern Nigeria? The Federal Government owes us an explanation.

We urge the Federal Government to implement immediate measures. They should introduce jungle battalions, deploy soldiers to the forests, and keep them there to fight the bandits. Both the bandits and their locations are known. We appeal to Mr. President to save the North, particularly Katsina State,” Aliyu pleaded.