The Katsina State Chapter of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned in strongest terms, the barbaric and uncivilized behaviour exhibited by some youths in the name of the August 1st nationwide protest in the state.

One of the coalition’s great concerns is vandalisation of government and private property and structures worth millions of naira as a result of the protest in Katsina, Daura, and Dutsinma towns.

The coalition believes that such losses and damages could have been avoided if the government had addressed the people’s grievances prior to the protests.

According to the coalition, the actions of these individuals are unacceptable and do not align with the principles of peaceful assembly, democracy, and the rule of law.

The coalition, however, appealed to the government to release innocent youths arrested in the aftermath of the nationwide protest in the state, calling on security agencies to also act professionally in the discharge of their duties.

While addressing a press conference in the state capital on Tuesday, the Deputy State Coordinator of the Coalition, Abdullahi Kabir, said it is disappointing that the government’s inaction has led to this escalation. He, however, said enough notice had been given to the government to act.

The coalition, while urging the government to take responsibility for its inaction and address the economic hardship affecting the people as many Nigerians are living in hunger and cannot survive the tense situation for long, said it is particularly disturbed by the display of foreign flags, stating that, it’s disrespect shown to the national flag.

The coalition added that the surging poverty, unemployment, and inequality, have created an atmosphere of frustration and desperation among people which the government must work to address.

It therefore advised the government to take concrete steps to address the underlined issues, provide leadership that listens to the people, and demonstrate compassion and commitment to the well-being of the citizens.