“Anger in Katsina: Chairmen Leave for UK Training During Security Crisis”

VOP NG reports that a delegation of local government chairmen from Katsina State departed Nigeria this week for a two‑week training programme in Liverpool, United Kingdom, prompting public anger as the state continues to suffer escalating banditry, kidnappings and mass displacement.

Photographs circulating online show the council chairmen at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, preparing to board their flight. The images sparked widespread criticism on social media, where many residents described the trip as tone‑deaf and wasteful given the daily security threats in their communities.

Katsina — the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari — has been among the areas most affected by insurgency in the northwest. Recent attacks in parts of Bakori, Faskari, and Kankara local government areas have left communities traumatised and questioning the priorities of local leadership.

Critics asked why council officials would travel abroad for training while constituents remain vulnerable, displaced or held for ransom. “This is the worst time to be away,” one social media commenter wrote, arguing that local leaders should be on the ground coordinating relief and security, not overseas for capacity‑building courses.

The controversy follows reports by SaharaReporters that community leaders and council chairmen from Charanchiand Batagarawa on Saturday signed a so‑called “peace agreement” with a group of armed men. At that meeting an armed representative reportedly told residents that the cycle of violence is driven by broader political interests, not merely local actors.

“It was the government that wanted us to engage in banditry, but now it has called us and told us to stop. Therefore, by God’s grace, we have stopped from today,” one of the men reportedly declared at the gathering. He allegedly went on to claim that peace or continued violence depends on political decisions at higher levels, insisting the bandits would cease attacks if the government so chose.

The remarks have deepened suspicion among many Katsina residents, who see a disconnect between official statements about peace talks and the reality of persistent attacks on villages and farms. Observers say the optics of elected chairmen flying abroad while local peace deals and security arrangements remain shaky will further erode public confidence.

Local activists and residents have demanded that the council chairmen either postpone the trip or cut it short to return and help address the security and humanitarian needs at home. They are also calling for clearer explanations from state authorities about the purpose and funding of the overseas training.

VOP NG will continue to follow reactions from Katsina State officials and report on whether the delegation will return early or provide assurances to their constituents about steps being taken to stabilise the situation.

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