Coalition Urges Katsina Gov’t to Fight Bandits, Not Critics

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on the Katsina State government to prioritize fighting banditry over silencing critics. In a statement by Abdullahi Kabir, the coalition condemned the arrest of Kurfi, labeling it as political persecution and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

They argue that Kurfi's alleged offenses are an attempt to stifle free expression, which is a constitutional right in Nigeria. The coalition emphasized that communities in Katsina continue to suffer from deadly bandit attacks, mass displacement, and widespread fear, while the government appears more focused on suppressing dissent than addressing insecurity.

They accused the authorities of manipulating judicial processes to keep Kurfi in custody and described the situation as politically repressive. The CNG warned against the creation of state police, suggesting that such institutions could be used for political interference rather than protecting citizens.

They urged the Nigerian police to resist political witch hunts and concentrate on combating banditry and violent crime in Katsina State.