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| Thugs Disrupt Security Meeting in Katsina Amid Rising Tensions |
Thugs disrupted a high-level security meeting in Katsina, attacking participants and journalists. Experts had gathered to discuss solutions to insecurity in the state.
Security Stakeholders Gather in Katsina
A high-profile security meeting in Katsina, organized under the Katsina Security Community Initiative, was thrown into chaos after thugs violently disrupted proceedings.
The meeting had mobilized retired military officers, former police chiefs, security experts, academics, and opinion leaders to deliberate on sustainable solutions to the state’s growing security crisis. Convener Dr. Bashir Kurfi was delivering an overview when tensions escalated.
How the Disruption Began
Dr. Kurfi, in his address, highlighted how several local government areas (LGAs) in Katsina have been crippled by insecurity, with:
- Farming and cattle rearing severely disrupted
- Schools shut down, in some cases occupied by bandits
- Economic activities grinding to a halt
As he analyzed the dire consequences for the future of the state, a participant abruptly interrupted, accusing him of making “anti-government” remarks. The individual insisted that the current administration was doing everything possible to resolve the crisis and accused the convener of bias.
Chaos as Thugs Attack
What began as a heated exchange soon turned violent. Witnesses reported that thugs stationed inside and outside the venue began throwing chairs, while some brandished dangerous weapons, including knives. Journalists covering the event were assaulted, and participants fled for safety.
The disruptors accused organizers of failing to criticize the administration of former Governor Bello Masari, branding them as enemies of the current government.
For more on Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, visit Council on Foreign Relations – Nigeria Security Tracker.
Conveners Vow to Continue Dialogue
Despite the disruption, the conveners held a press briefing at a different location, vowing to continue their efforts to address insecurity.
They alleged that the thugs acted on behalf of political interests, pointing to evidence that some local government chairmen were seen meeting with the attackers inside a mosque near the venue and allegedly providing them with money.
“The essence of this meeting is not to attack the government but to engage communities in finding solutions to the bloodshed in our state,” Dr. Kurfi explained. He further noted that the initiative had previously held meetings in Abuja and Kaduna, with government representatives in attendance.
Government Response
When contacted, Katsina State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, claimed he was unaware of the meeting or its disruption, and therefore could not comment. Efforts to reach the Governor’s DG Media, Maiwada Dammallam, yielded no response at the time of filing this report.
For more insights on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria, see International Crisis Group – Nigeria Reports.
The disruption of the Katsina security meeting by thugs highlights the deep political and social challenges in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria. While efforts like the Katsina Security Community Initiative aim to provide solutions, interference and violence threaten to derail progress.
As Katsina and other northern states grapple with rising insecurity, the ability of stakeholders to hold constructive dialogue—without fear of intimidation—will be crucial to achieving peace and stability.
