Katsina elders slam Badaru and Matawalle for failing to tackle banditry

The Katsina State Elders Forum on Sunday, condemned the response of the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle to the growing insecurity in the state.

They appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and restore order in the state.

Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Ali Muhammad, who spoke to journalists in Katsina, said the two ministers, who are both from the North West, were doing nothing about the problem.

He urged President Tinubu to immediately take other steps such as the introduction of what they call the “Jungle Battalion” to end banditry in the North.

Mohammed said: “We have complained many times to the federal government to complement what the state government is doing, but unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to expectations.

“It is very unfortunate that the so-called defense ministers are all from the north, but they have not done much to protect the northern region, and this banditry only occurs in this region,” he said.

“They have killed hundreds of people here in Katsina and not a single minister or president has seen fit to come and condole with the families of the victims and provide assistance to those who lost people and property,” he added.

Analysis:

The elders’ criticism signals a loss of confidence in the state government’s ability to address pressing problems.

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With that statement, they challenged the president to take decisive action and take leadership in handling the crisis.

This move can be seen as a strategic attempt to bypass state governments and involve federal authorities directly.

Political Implications:

The attitude of these elders has significant political implications, because:

– Highlights the failure of state governments to tackle banditry
– Shows lack of trust in Badaru and Matawalle

– Referring to Tinubu’s authority, which has the potential to shift the burden of responsibility to the federal government
– Can influence public opinion and put pressure on the government to act.

Security Context:

Robbery has plagued Katsina State, with attacks and kidnappings a frequent occurrence. The elders’ call for action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for effective solutions.

Conclusion:

The bold move by the Katsina elders has brought the banditry crisis to the forefront, demanding immediate attention from the highest authorities. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Tinubu will respond and whether his intervention will stem the tide of violence in Katsina State.

Katsina Elders slam Badaru, Matawalle for failing to tackle banditry first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.