Katsina State Acting Governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, has urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The call came after gunmen killed 13 worshippers inside a mosque at Unguwan Muntau, Malumfashi Local Council. The attackers struck during morning prayers, leaving families in shock and fear.
Lawal-Jobe appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. He stressed that Katsina insecurity has reached a level where citizens no longer feel safe in their communities.
“We request Mr. President to give clear orders to security agencies to end these unprovoked attacks,” he said.
In the State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim, member representing Malumfashi Constituency, broke down in tears over the worsening situation. He revealed that bandits recently killed 30 people, set 20 others ablaze, and raided villages including Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, Makera, and Burdigau.
Ibrahim accused security forces of arriving late to distress calls. He said reports of suspicious movements in Burdigau went unanswered on Monday, giving bandits free passage to attack the next day.
Despite these tragedies, the Presidency insisted that security has improved. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, argued that Nigeria has moved out of the “jeopardy zone.”
Dare said institutions are stronger, and responses to flashpoints are faster compared to past years. However, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) warned that killings and rights violations, especially against children, vigilantes, and older people, are still rising.
The people of Katsina now look to the Federal Government for decisive action as Katsina insecurity continues to spread fear across communities.
