The recent accusations by General Abdulrahman T’chini, head of Niger’s military junta, alleging that the Nigerian government is plotting to destabilize Niger, have sparked mixed reactions among residents of Katsina State, a border region deeply connected to Niger Republic through cultural, economic, and familial ties.
While some residents expressed concerns over the potential fallout of the allegations, others dismissed them as baseless, urging both nations to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.
A Mass communication lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Mukhtar El-Kasim, voiced apprehension over the potential sociopolitical and cultural repercussions.
“This issue threatens the unity and cooperation that have historically existed between Nigeria and Niger. It’s imperative that both countries adopt peace and dialogue to avoid jeopardizing their shared ties,” he remarked.
In contrast, activist Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa dismissed the allegations as a calculated move to stir division and discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“These claims, likely fueled by terrorists, are designed to incite violence and hatred. However, they pose real security and economic challenges, particularly for Katsina State,” he noted.
Saulawa urged both nations to come to the negotiating table to protect citizens and businesses on both sides of the border.
Some residents raised concerns about the allegations escalating existing security threats in the region. Mr. Salisu Hapijo highlighted the activities of the Lakurawa terrorist group, alleged to have attacked pipelines in Niger through Nigeria’s Kebbi State.
He warned that the growing mistrust between the two nations could worsen the region’s fragile security situation.
“The diplomatic officials of both countries need to meet urgently and find an amicable solution. This issue has already reached an intolerable level, with reports of Nigerians being attacked in Niger,” Hapijo added.
The National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, speaking on the BBC Hausa Service, described the claims as “false and baseless,” reaffirming that Nigeria remains committed to Niger’s stability.
Like wise, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris also dismissed the allegations as diversionary, accusing the junta of deflecting from its internal governance failures.
But residents and analysts alike stressed the importance of resolving the dispute diplomatically to preserve the deep-rooted ties between Nigeria and Niger. “Both countries must look at the advantages of peaceful coexistence and work towards fostering unity,” Professor El-Kasim advised.
The tensions come amid Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with France on development projects involving Niger, with both nations exploring initiatives to strengthen the solid minerals sector and educational exchanges.
As reactions continue to pour in, the prevailing sentiment in Katsina underscores the urgency for Nigeria and Niger to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual cooperation and regional stability.
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