Katsina Elders Criticize Federal Government Over Insecurity, Poverty, and LGBT Policies

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

KSEF criticized the federal government’s inadequate response to the ongoing threats from bandits, lamenting the persistent danger to lives across 12 local governments in the state.

During a press briefing, the forum’s secretary, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, highlighted the severe challenges facing Katsina State and called for urgent federal intervention.

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

Aliyu also expressed concern over the safety of residents and travelers in the state, questioning the inaction of the two defense ministers from the North.

“If you travel, you are not sure of returning safely. If you leave home, you are not sure of finding your family safe upon your return. It is unfortunate that the Defense Ministers, who are from the North, have not done enough to protect the region. These killers are concentrated in this part of the country, and we are deeply troubled.

“They have killed hundreds in Katsina. Neither the ministers nor the president have deemed it necessary to visit and console the people of Katsina State or provide relief to the victims. This banditry has led to an increase in beggars everywhere.

“The Katsina State Governor has done his best by establishing the Security Watch Corps, who are doing their utmost. However, the community corps are not allowed to handle sophisticated weapons like the bandits. The soldiers are not helping matters. We do not understand the problem. The Federal Government must explain why our soldiers can perform miracles and restore peace in other countries but not in the northern part of Nigeria.

“We urge the Federal Government to take immediate action. Introduce jungle battalions, station soldiers in the forests, and let them fight the bandits. The bandits are known, and their locations are known. We call on Mr. President to save the North, especially Katsina State.”

The forum also strongly disapproved of the alleged recent federal actions concerning LGBT rights, purportedly signed by the Budget Minister.

“Katsina State vehemently opposes this arrangement as we are 98 percent Muslim. Even Christianity opposes same-sex marriage. We urge Mr. President to reverse this decision immediately. Nigerians are unhappy, and everyone is protesting.”

Addressing the severe poverty in the northern region, Elder Aliyu painted a grim picture of widespread hunger and economic distress, blaming the Federal Government’s failure to provide basic necessities.

“Our people are very poor. There is widespread hunger and abject poverty 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.

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