SOKAPU raises alarm over renewed attacks, calls for reinforced security in Southern Kaduna
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has expressed growing concern over renewed attacks and rising insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna, urging both the Federal and Kaduna State governments to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the region.
In a statement signed by its National President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, SOKAPU acknowledged the relative peace and improved security recorded under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a clear departure from the previous administrations of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, 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.
According to SOKAPU, no fewer than 14 persons have been killed and about 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.
Engr. Kato warned that the continuous destruction of crops at harvest time portends a looming food crisis in the affected communities unless urgent steps are taken by the Kaduna State government to support farmers and rebuild livelihoods.
“Farmers and herders are traditional partners in trade with a symbiotic relationship. What is today described as farmers-herders clashes are mostly stage-managed crises instigated by powerful cattle owners who use such conflicts for political or economic advantage,” the statement noted.
SOKAPU dismissed the long-held notion that “Fulani don’t forgive and don’t forget,” allegedly promoted by former Governor El-Rufai, stressing that such theories are divisive and do not reflect the character of the Fulani people.
“Cattle do not on their own stray into farms; they are directed by herdsmen. The aggressors are often the owners of these cattle mostly elites and power brokers living in urban centres who manipulate such crises to gain political leverage,” Kato added.
The group also raised alarm over reports of fresh threats of attacks on already traumatized communities, alleging that certain power-hungry elements opposed to the present governments may be using the guise of “farmers-herders clashes” to undermine ongoing peace efforts.
SOKAPU called on the Kaduna State and Federal 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, noting that prompt intervention will prevent hunger and restore public confidence.
“Much as we continue to demand good governance, we must also acknowledge and encourage the positive steps taken by our leaders. So far, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserve commendation and continued support for their commitment to peace and security,” the statement concluded.
