By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Residents of Funtua Constituency in Katsina State have challenged their representative in the State House of Assembly, Abubakar Muhammed Total, to take a more active role in tackling insecurity by supporting security agencies and staying closer to the people.
The residents said political leaders should strengthen the morale of security personnel working to protect communities rather than make public statements they believe could discourage officers and men confronting security threats.
Speaking with journalists in Funtua, the residents said the worsening security concerns required unity, responsible leadership and closer cooperation among lawmakers, security agencies and the communities they serve.
They acknowledged that security operations may have shortcomings, but argued that such issues should be addressed through constructive engagement and appropriate channels.
‘Come Back Home and Understand Our Ordeal’
The residents also urged Total to spend more time in his constituency, saying direct interaction with affected communities would give him a better understanding of the realities confronting residents.
One resident said: “The lawmaker should come and stay with his people and understand what they are going through. Relocating people to another state cannot be the only solution. We need leaders who will work with us to find lasting solutions.”
The residents argued that moving people away from insecure areas should not become a substitute for finding sustainable solutions to the threats forcing communities to flee.
They urged the lawmaker to deploy his legislative influence towards securing greater support for security agencies, improving community-security cooperation and drawing government attention to areas requiring urgent intervention.
Residents: Criticism Should Not Become Condemnation
The residents said lawmakers have every right to demand accountability from security agencies, but warned that outright condemnation could have unintended consequences.
They called on Total to engage security commanders and relevant authorities directly whenever there are concerns about operations, while publicly encouraging personnel who risk their lives to protect residents.
According to them, security personnel need cooperation from the communities they protect, while communities equally need responsive leadership capable of communicating their concerns to government and security authorities.
‘Funtua Needs Solutions, Not Blame’
The residents maintained that insecurity is a collective challenge requiring a coordinated response from government, lawmakers, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
They appealed to all stakeholders to avoid statements capable of inflaming tensions or weakening public confidence in security institutions.
They also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in preventing attacks and apprehending criminals.
The residents said Funtua’s security challenges demand less political confrontation and more practical collaboration, insisting that the ultimate responsibility of every stakeholder should be the protection of lives and property.
They therefore called on Total and security agencies to deepen consultations with communities and work together on measures capable of restoring lasting peace to Funtua Constituency.
For the residents, the message is simple: security personnel need accountability where necessary, but they also need support—and Funtua needs leaders who will stand with the people while the battle for peace continues.
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