SOKAPU Accuses CDAs-Forum Of Allegedly Causing Divisions In Southern Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United-Associations (SOKAPU) has disowned Community Development Associations Forum (CDAs-Forum), stressing that the activities associated with the forum have allegedly contributed to several crimes and divisions within Southern Kaduna civil culture.

The statement issued by Geoffrey Ambi on behalf of the concerned SOKAPU members, expressed concerned by the forum’s repeated circulation of unverified claims and alarmist narratives allegedly sourced from social media regarding impending attacks in Chikun, Kajuru, and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The statement said the forum’s assertion that no visible efforts were being made by the federal, state, or local governments to address such threats was not only misleading but also dismissive of the ongoing collaborative engagements and interventions being undertaken by SOKAPU and relevant authorities.

According to the statement, the intention behind such statements appears designed to create the false impression that SOKAPU is inactive or unconcerned about the security situation in the region.

The statement stated that while SOKAPU recognised the constitutional right of citizens to lawful self-defense in the protection of lives and property, it strongly cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric capable of escalating tensions.

Ambi noted that sustainable peace can only be achieved through lawful, coordinated, and responsible engagement with security agencies and government institutions, rather than through statements that may encourage violent confrontation.

Parts of the statement read, “For the record, the activities associated with the CDAs-Forum and its collaborators have allegedly contributed to several crises and divisions within Southern Kaduna civic structures. We categorically dissociate SOKAPU from the positions advanced by the factional and self-acclaimed CDAs-Forum leadership, whose membership has reportedly dwindled to only eight (8) CDAs following the withdrawal of over twenty-eight (28) associations who identified the group’s activities as self-serving and divisive.

“The Concerned Members of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United-Associations (SOKAPU) consider it necessary to address the public on recent developments affecting the people of Southern Kaduna and to clarify issues arising from statements issued by the self-styled Community Development Associations Forum (CDAs-Forum).”

The statement added, “ On the issue of voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) sensitization, we wish to categorically state that the initiative being referenced by the CDAs-Forum was originally conceived and implemented by the SOKAPU Youth Wing as far back as July 2025, with the support of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, in pursuit of the broader political empowerment and participation of Southern Kaduna people. Any contrary claim is therefore inaccurate and misleading,” it said.

The statement counseled, “ We, therefore, urge the public, stakeholders, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to exercise caution and avoid aligning with groups or individuals whose activities may undermine the unity, peace, and collective aspirations of Southern Kaduna.

” Finally, we reaffirm our confidence in the leadership of SOKAPU under Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato and commend the growing number of respected individuals and stakeholders who continue to return to and identify with the umbrella organization in the interest of unity, peace, and regional development,” Ambi said.