By Maharazu Ahmed, Abuja.
Katsina elites have now become internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja, unable to return to their villages ravaged by banditry, according to Professor Usman Yusuf Bugaje.
Speaking at a meeting of the Katsina State Security Community Initiative in Abuja on Sunday, Bugaje decried the silence of prominent citizens of the state, which he said had emboldened criminals and delayed government intervention.
“We, the elites, are now IDPs in Abuja, unable to return to our villages. Our communities and businesses are dying. If urgent steps are not taken, insecurity will soon spread to the larger towns,” he warned.
Bugaje stressed that the war against banditry could not be won solely on the battlefield.
He called for a clear strategy on when to dialogue and when to fight, insisting that traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders must be involved in decision-making, rather than leaving security planning only to the governor and military personnel unfamiliar with the terrain.
Other stakeholders echoed his concerns. Munir Ahmad identified neglect and worsening economic hardship as root causes of banditry, urging government to engage young people in meaningful dialogue and community rebuilding.
Similarly, Bashir Nadabo criticised the release of arrested kidnappers handed over by local vigilantes and called for urgent support for community defence groups.
“We need to arm our people to fight back. Security personnel are poorly equipped and unfamiliar with the terrain. Vigilantes understand both the land and the criminals and should be empowered,” he said.
The organisation, made up of Katsina indigenes in Abuja,including retired government officials, former security personnel, academics, and business leaders,warned that neglecting non-kinetic solutions would prolong the crisis.
They urged the Federal and Katsina State governments to empower communities with modern, locally made weapons, block bandits’ supply routes, and mobilise citizens to expose informants.
The group pledged to collaborate with government and all relevant stakeholders in restoring peace and stability in Katsina State.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
