Table of Contents
- Concerns Over Insecurity
- Praise for Current Leadership
- Recent Violence and Attacks
- Destruction of Crops
- Impending Food Crisis
- Farmers and Herders Relationship
- Threats to Communities
- Call to Action for Government
- Emergency Support for Affected Communities
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has voiced significant concern regarding the renewed attacks and escalating insecurity in various areas of Southern Kaduna. The organization is urging both the Federal and state governments to reaffirm their dedication to protecting lives and property in the region.
A statement from its National President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, commended the relative peace and enhanced security achieved under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This improvement marks a notable shift from the previous administrations of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group expressed distress over the recent months, which have seen alarming resurging violence in numerous communities, including Ungwar Rimi, Chawai, Kamaru, Wikeh, Gadanaji, Awon, Kabara, Rumaya, Farin Dutse, Damakasuwa, Tsam, and their neighboring areas.
It reported that approximately 14 individuals have been killed and 30 kidnapped between October 23 and 31, 2025, with farmlands and food storage facilities deliberately destroyed in acts of provocation.
The organization highlighted the destruction of crops on October 7 in Kabara, located in the Kagarko Local Government Area, which occurred just a day after villagers protested to the palace of the Ere Koro, seeking government intervention regarding the ongoing herdsmen attacks.
Kato noted that the repeated destruction of crops during harvest time signals an impending food crisis in the affected areas. He urged the Kaduna State government to take action to support farmers and restore their livelihoods.
He stated that farmers and herders traditionally engage in a mutually beneficial trade relationship, lamenting that the conflicts between them are often orchestrated crises driven by powerful cattle owners who exploit such disputes for political or economic gain.
The group also raised concerns about new threats of attacks on already traumatized communities, stating that certain power-hungry individuals opposed to the current governments may be using the pretext of “farmers-herders clashes” to sabotage ongoing peace initiatives.
SOKAPU called on the Federal and Kaduna state governments to identify and prosecute cattle owners responsible for the destruction of farmland, uphold the “Shoot-at-Sight” directive on armed attackers previously issued by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. C.G. Musa (rtd), and take immediate actions to secure the release of those who have been abducted.
Additionally, the group urged the state government to implement an emergency food support and rehabilitation program for the affected communities, asserting that timely intervention will mitigate hunger and restore public confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions is SOKAPU urging from the government?
SOKAPU is urging the Federal and Kaduna state governments to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, prosecute cattle owners responsible for farmland destruction, and implement emergency support for affected communities.
What recent incidents have occurred in Southern Kaduna?
Recent incidents include the killing of approximately 14 individuals and the kidnapping of 30 others between October 23 and 31, 2025, along with the destruction of crops and farmlands in several communities.
