Katsina State Elders Forum (KSEF) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Federal Government’s response to ongoing security threats, economic hardship, and policies related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
During a press briefing, the forum’s secretary, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, highlighted the severe security challenges facing Katsina State, particularly from persistent bandit attacks affecting 12 local governments.
“We have tried as much as possible and have complained severally to the Federal Government to complement what the state government is doing to protect lives and property in our dear state. The Federal Government has not lived up to expectations. These hoodlums keep on killing our people, burning their properties, claiming their farms, and destroying their houses,” said Malam Aliyu.
Security Concerns
Aliyu emphasized the constant threat to life in the region, expressing frustration over the perceived inaction from the Federal Government and the two Defence Ministers from the North.
“If you are travelling, you are not sure of coming back. If you leave home, you are not sure of coming back to meet your people safe. And it is really unfortunate that the so-called Defence Ministers are from the North. We don’t know what they are doing. They have not done enough to protect the North. And it is unfortunate that these killers are only in this part of the country. We are really disturbed.”
He further lamented, “They have killed hundreds of people in Katsina. Nobody, none of the ministers or the president deemed it fit to come and condole the people of Katsina State and provide some succour to cushion the impact on the victims. That’s why you see a lot of beggars everywhere. This is as a result of this banditry.”
While acknowledging the efforts of the Katsina State Governor and the Security See Corps, Aliyu criticized the restrictions on community corps handling sophisticated weapons, contrasting it with the bandits’ armament.
“The Katsina State Governor has done his best. He floated the Security See Corps and they are doing their best. But unfortunately, the community corps are not allowed to handle sophisticated weapons like the bandits. The soldiers are not helping matters. So, we don’t know where the problem is. We are yet to understand the problem. What is happening? Who is behind this banditry? The Federal Government has to explain why our soldiers can go elsewhere in other countries and perform miracles, and restore peace, but not in the northern part of the country?”
Call to Action
Aliyu called for immediate and decisive measures from the Federal Government, urging for the deployment of jungle battalions to combat the bandits directly in the forests where they are known to operate.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to come up with immediate measures. Let them introduce jungle battalions. Put these soldiers in the forest, let them remain there and fight the bandits. The bandits are known and they also know where they are. We are calling on Mr President to please save the North, for goodness sake. Save Katsina State.”
Economic Hardship
The forum also addressed the severe economic distress in the region, with widespread poverty and hunger becoming rampant. Aliyu attributed these issues to the Federal Government’s failure to provide basic necessities.
“Our people are very poor. There is hunger and abject poverty in our region. Everywhere you go, you see people begging because they don’t have what to eat.”
Opposition to LGBT Policies
Additionally, KSEF expressed strong disapproval of the alleged recent federal actions concerning LGBT rights purportedly signed by the Budget Minister.
“Katsina State vehemently objects to this arrangement because we are 98 percent Muslims. Even Christianity is against this same-sex marriage. We are begging Mr. President to reverse this decision with immediate effect. Nigerians are not happy and everybody is crying.”
Conclusion
The forum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and effective action to address these pressing issues and consider appointing more capable advisers to tackle the country’s myriad challenges.