SOKAPU Raises Alarm Over Renewed Attacks In Southern Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has expressed deep concern over renewed attacks in parts of Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State, warning that the fragile peace being enjoyed under the administration of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Tinubu was being threatened by fresh outbreaks of violence.

In a statement signed by its National President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, the group said that though significant security progress had been made under the current governments at the centre and the State, the recent wave of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands in some communities has become worrisome.

According to SOKAPU, communities such as Ungwar Rimi, Chawai, Kamaru, Wikeh, Gadanaji, Awon, Kabara, Rumaya, Farin Dutse, Damakasuwa, Tsam and other neighbouring villages, have in recent weeks come under repeated attacks, leading to the deaths of no fewer than 14 persons and the abduction of about 30 others between October 23 and 31, 2025.

Kato also lamented the deliberate destruction of farmlands and food barns, especially in Kabara, Kagarko Local Government Area of the State, where crops ready for harvest were destroyed on October 7, a day after residents protested incessant attacks before the Ere Koro.

He warned that the destruction portends imminent food shortages in the affected communities unless the State government intervenes.

The SOKAPU president dismissed the narrative of farmers/herders clashes as misleading, arguing that the attacks were “stage-managed” by powerful individuals who own cattle and exploit such crises for political and economic advantages.

He said, “Cattle do not stray into farms by instinct. They follow the directions of their herders. The so-called farmers-herders clashes are not natural but deliberately orchestrated by elite cattle owners, many of whom are politicians or people of influence.”

Kato faulted the controversial statement once credited to former governor Nasir El-Rufai that “Fulani don’t forgive and don’t forget,” describing it as a divisive remark that does not reflect the character of the Fulani people.

He, therefore, called on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to identify and prosecute those behind the renewed hostilities and to enforce the ‘shoot-at-sight’ order earlier issued by the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. C.G. Musa (Rtd), against anyone attacking communities.

The Union also appealed to the Kaduna State government to facilitate the release of kidnap victims, provide relief to affected families, and put in place measures to cushion the impact of the expected food shortages in the region.

“While we continue to demand good governance, we must equally appreciate the efforts of both the State and federal governments in improving security. However, there is a need for greater vigilance to prevent these attacks from reversing the gains so far recorded,” he added.

He reaffirmed SOKAPU’s support for Governor Uba Sani and President Tinubu, urging them to sustain their focus on peacebuilding and inclusive security across the State.