The Katsina State Elders’ Forum has criticized the two ministers of defense, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle, for their inability to address the lingering problem of banditry in the northwest region.
The forum accused the ministers, who are both from the region, of doing nothing significant to combat the issue.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Secretary Alhaji Ali Muhammad expressed disappointment that the ministers and President Bola Tinubu have not visited or commiserated with the people of Katsina state over recent killings.
The forum urged President Tinubu to take immediate action and introduce measures like “Jungle Battalions” to end banditry in the North.
“We have complained severally to the federal government to complement what the state government is doing, but unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to expectation.
‘It is really unfortunate, the so-called defense ministers are all from the north, but they have not done enough to protect the north, and this banditry is taking place only in this part of the country,” he said.
“They have killed hundreds of people here in Katsina and none of the ministers or the president deemed it necessary to come and condoled with the affected families and provide some succour to those who lost their people and properties,” he added.
The forum also expressed concern over rising food prices, which it said have left many in poverty and hunger. They advised President Tinubu to listen to alternative ideas and consider changing his cabinet if necessary.
Additionally, the forum rejected the Samoa agreement, which they believe goes against the region’s predominantly Muslim population and Christian values. They urged President Tinubu to reverse the agreement, stating that Katsina state is not in support of LGBT rights.
The forum said the people of Katsina state are ready to take action against the federal government’s decision on the LGBT agreement.
