By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal
Residents of Unguwar Rahamawa in Katsina Local Government Area have raised concerns over worsening water scarcity in the community, describing the situation as dire and degrading.
A video that has circulated widely on social media shows a resident, visibly distressed, lamenting the hardship faced by locals who depend on unsafe and contaminated water sources for daily use. In the footage, the resident says access to clean and potable water has become a privilege enjoyed by political leaders and the wealthy, while ordinary citizens struggle with water unfit for consumption.
He said the suffering in the community is difficult to put into words, noting that residents are left with little choice but to rely on faith while enduring the situation.
In the video, the resident drew a moral comparison with the leadership style of Sayyidina Umar (RA), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who, according to Islamic tradition, personally monitored the welfare of his people during his time as caliph. He said such examples underscored values of humility, sacrifice, and accountability, which he argued are lacking among many present-day leaders.
While acknowledging that the standards of leadership in the early Islamic era may be difficult to replicate, the resident urged contemporary leaders to demonstrate sincerity, responsibility, and genuine commitment to alleviating the suffering of the people.
He concluded by warning that leadership is a trust and that those in authority would ultimately be held accountable for how they discharge their duties.
Residents of Unguwar Rahamawa are now calling on the Katsina State Government and relevant agencies to urgently intervene by providing sustainable access to clean and safe water, warning that continued neglect could pose serious public health risks and widen social inequalities.
