Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, Katsina State chapter, has urged the Katsina State Government to focus on tackling banditry rather than targeting critics, while demanding the immediate and unconditional release of public affairs analyst, Dr. Bashir Kurfi.
The coalition made the call in a statement issued by its Katsina State Coordinator, Abdullahi Kabir.
According to the group, Kurfi was arrested after speaking out on the worsening security situation and the government’s handling of banditry in the state.
The coalition described his arrest and continued detention as political persecution, arguing that the use of security agencies and the judiciary against citizens for expressing their views undermines democracy, freedom of expression and constitutional rights.
It expressed concern that while many communities in Katsina continue to face deadly bandit attacks, displacement and insecurity, government attention appeared to be directed at silencing those who criticise its response.
“The government should be confronting the criminals terrorising our communities, not persecuting citizens who speak out on behalf of victims,” the statement said.
The CNG further alleged that efforts were being made to keep Kurfi in detention through what it described as fabricated charges and a manipulated judicial process.
The coalition also raised concerns over the proposed establishment of state police, warning that security institutions could be vulnerable to political interference if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
It maintained that criticism of government policies and demands for accountability should not be criminalised, insisting that citizens have a constitutional right to speak on issues of public interest.
The group called for Kurfi’s immediate release, the withdrawal of what it described as politically motivated actions against him, and an end to the intimidation of journalists, analysts, activists and other citizens.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to resist political interference and concentrate on tackling banditry and other violent crimes across Katsina State.
‘Confront bandits, not critics’ — Coalition tells Katsina govt