The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has expressed great concern on renewed attacks and rising insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna, appealing to the Federal and state governments to reinforce their commitment to safeguard lives and property in the region.
A statement signed by its National President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, SOKAPU hailed the relative peace and improved security recorded under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that it is a clear departure from the previous administrations of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group lamented that the last few months have witnessed disturbing resurgences of violence in several communities, including Ungwar Rimi, Chawai, Kamaru, Wikeh, Gadanaji, Awon, Kabara, Rumaya, Farin Dutse, Damakasuwa, Tsam, and their surrounding neighborhoods.
It explained that about 14 persons have been killed and 30 kidnapped between October 23 and 31, 2025, with farmlands and food barns destroyed in deliberate acts of provocation.
The group cited the October 7 destruction of crops at Kabara in Kagarko Local Government Area, a day after villagers protested to the palace of the Ere Koro, demanding government intervention over incessant herdsmen attacks.
Kato observed that the continuous destruction of crops at harvest time portends a looming food crisis in the affected communities, urging that steps be taken by the Kaduna State government to support farmers and rebuild livelihoods.
He said that farmers and herders are traditional partners in trade with a symbiotic relationship, lamented that the farmers-herders clashes are mostly stage-managed crises instigated by powerful cattle owners who use such conflicts for political or economic advantage.
The group also raised alarm over reports of fresh threats of attacks on already traumatized communities, saying that certain power-hungry elements opposed to the present governments may be using the guise of “farmers-herders clashes” to undermine the ongoing peace efforts.
SOKAPU called on the Federal and Kaduna state governments to identify and prosecute owners of cattle found responsible for the destruction of farmlands, maintain the “Shoot-at-Sight” order on armed attackers earlier issued by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. C.G. Musa (rtd), and take urgent steps to ensure the release of abducted persons.
The group also urged the state government to initiate an emergency food support and rehabilitation programme for affected communities, believing that prompt intervention will prevent hunger and restore public confidence.
