Katsina Youth Vanguard (KYV) has condemned the failure of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his Katsina counterpart, Dikko Raddah, asserting that they lack commitment to address the security challenges in their respective states and the entire North West region.
  
Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) met with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and service chiefs to find lasting solutions to the escalating insecurity in the North West.
  
Reacting to the development, in a statement, Chairman of KYV, Aliyu Tanko, said: “It is unacceptable for elected officials to neglect their responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of their citizens, especially in the face of escalating insecurity and widespread fear among the populace.
  
The group said it was disheartening to note that the governors of Zamfara and Katsina, who were among the worst hit by the pervasive insecurity in the region, could miss the golden opportunity afforded them by the meeting to address the rampant cases banditry, kidnapping and loss of lives and property.
  
It also faulted the deployment of non-state actors to address the security issues in the states by the two governors.
  
“The introduction of Yan Sa Kai civilian outfits in these states, supposedly meant to complement the efforts of the security agencies, has unfortunately exacerbated the situation by leading to human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings and further destabilisation of the already fragile security landscape.
  
“Refusal of the two governors to attend this critical security meeting is a clear indication of their lack of commitment to addressing the security challenges facing their respective states and the entire North West region. It is unacceptable for elected officials to neglect their responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of their citizens, especially in the face of escalating insecurity and widespread fear among the populace,” it stated.
  
KYV reminded Governor Lawal and Raddah to prioritise the security and well-being of their people above all other considerations. They must set aside any political differences and work collaboratively with the security agencies and the NSGF to find lasting solutions to the insecurity plaguing our region.

“We warn against the politicisation of security matters, as this only serves to worsen the already dire situation.
It is imperative that all stakeholders come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation to tackle the root of insecurity and restore peace and stability in our communities.”

“KYV stands ready to support all efforts aimed at safeguarding the lives and properties of our people and creating a conducive environment for socio-economic development in the North West. We call on Governors Lawal and Raddah to demonstrate strong leadership and commit to working towards a peaceful and secure future for all residents of Zamfara and Katsina states.”