Pro Government Thugs Disrupt Katsina Security Forum After Organiser Criticises Bandit Crisis

A security meeting in Katsina State meant to discuss solutions to the worsening bandit attacks ended in chaos on Tuesday after suspected pro government thugs disrupted the session.

The event, organised by the Katsina Security Community Initiative, brought together stakeholders to deliberate on the insecurity that has left parts of the state paralysed. Farming and livestock rearing have been abandoned in some areas, while schools remain shut or taken over by armed groups.

Trouble began when the convener, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, presented a grim assessment of the security situation, saying several local government areas were practically shut down. Midway into his remarks, one of the men stood up, accusing him of making “anti government” comments and insisting the state authorities were already doing their best.

The confrontation quickly escalated as more men joined in, branding the organisers enemies of the administration and accusing them of ignoring similar issues under former governor Aminu Bello Masari. Witnesses said chairs were hurled across the hall, while some journalists covering the event were physically attacked.

Outside the venue, more youths were reportedly stationed, some armed with knives, threatening to deal with anyone they believed was against Governor Dikko Radda. The governor himself was in Abuja at the time, meeting President Bola Tinubu alongside other stakeholders over Katsina’s security challenges.

The attack comes days after similar incidents targeting high profile figures, including an assault on former Kaduna governor Nasir El Rufai and ex Attorney General Abubakar Malami. On Monday, armed thugs suspected to be APC loyalists also attacked Malami’s convoy in Kebbi, leaving several vehicles damaged and supporters injured.

Katsina, President Tinubu’s home state, has remained one of the worst hit by banditry, with persistent attacks claiming lives and destroying property worth billions.