The Katsina State Elders Forum (KSEF) has voiced its concerns over the Federal Government’s handling of security, economic hardship, and purported policies related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
KSEF criticized the federal government’s inadequate response to ongoing threats from bandits, highlighting the persistent danger to lives across 12 local governments in Katsina State. During a press briefing, the forum’s secretary, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, detailed the severe challenges facing the state and called for urgent federal intervention.
“We have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to support the state government’s efforts in protecting lives and property in our state. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has not met expectations. These criminals continue to kill our people, burn their properties, seize their farms, and destroy their homes,” Mohammed said.
Expressing concern for the safety of residents and travelers in the state, Aliyu also questioned the inaction of the two defense ministers from the North. “If you are traveling, you are uncertain about returning safely. If you leave home, you are unsure of returning to find your family safe. It is truly unfortunate that the Defense Ministers are from the North yet have not done enough to protect the region. These killers are concentrated in our part of the country, and we are deeply disturbed.
“Hundreds of people have been killed in Katsina, yet none of the ministers or the president have seen fit to come and offer condolences or support to the people of Katsina State. This neglect has contributed to the increase in beggars, a direct result of this banditry.
“The Katsina State Governor has done his best by establishing the Security Watch Corps, which is performing admirably. However, the community corps are not permitted to use the sophisticated weapons that the bandits have. The soldiers are not helping the situation, and we cannot understand the problem. The Federal Government must explain why our soldiers can achieve success abroad but not in the northern part of our own country.
“We urge the Federal Government to take immediate action. They should deploy jungle battalions, station soldiers in the forests, and confront the bandits. The locations of these bandits are known. Mr. President, please save the North and save Katsina State,” he implored.
The forum also expressed strong disapproval of recent federal actions concerning LGBT rights, allegedly signed by the Budget Minister. “Katsina State vehemently opposes this arrangement as we are 98 percent Muslim. Even Christianity opposes same-sex marriage. We plead with Mr. President to reverse this decision immediately. Nigerians are unhappy and everyone is in distress,” Mohammed stated.
Addressing the severe poverty in the northern region, Elder Aliyu described widespread hunger and economic distress, blaming the Federal Government’s failure to provide basic necessities. “Our people are very poor. Hunger and abject poverty are rampant in our region. Everywhere you go, you see people begging because they have nothing to eat,” he said.
He urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address these issues and consider appointing more effective advisers.
Source: Vanguard