Governor Umar Radda of Katsina State and his Zamfara counterpart, Dauda Lawal, have received more condemnations over failure to attend a crucial meeting with security chiefs and the Northern Governors Forum aimed at finding lasting solutions to the escalating insecurity in the North-West region.
The recent criticism of the two governors is contained in a press statement issued by Katsina Youth Vanguard (KYV), which was signed by its chairman, Aliyu Tanko, on Sunday.
The group said it was disheartening to note that the governors of Zamfara and Katsina , who are among the worst hit by the pervasive insecurity in the region, could miss the golden opportunity afforded by meeting to address the rampant cases banditry, kidnapping, and loss of lives and property.
It also faulted the deployment of non-state actors to address the security issues in the states by the two governors.
“The introduction of Yan Sa Kai civilian outfits in these states, supposedly meant to complement the efforts of the security agencies, has unfortunately exacerbated the situation by leading to human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and further destabilization of the already fragile security landscape.
“The refusal of the two governors to attend this critical security meeting is a clear indication of their lack of commitment to addressing the security challenges facing their respective states and the entire North-West region. It is unacceptable for elected officials to neglect their responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of their citizens, especially in the face of escalating insecurity and widespread fear among the populace.
“The KYV reminds Governor Lawal and Governor Raddah to prioritize the security and well-being of their people above all other considerations. They must set aside any political differences and work collaboratively with the security agencies and the Northern Governors Forum to find lasting solutions to the insecurity plaguing our region.
“We warn against the politicization of security matters, as this only serves to worsen the already dire situation. It is imperative that all stakeholders come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to tackle the root causes of insecurity and restore peace and stability in our communities.
“The KYV stands ready to support all efforts aimed at safeguarding the lives and properties of our people and creating a conducive environment for socio-economic development in the North-West region. We call on Governor Lawal and Governor Raddah to demonstrate strong leadership and commit to working towards a peaceful and secure future for all residents of Zamfara and Katsina states, ” the statement said.
