SOKAPU demands govt action as deadly attacks rise in Southern Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has expressed concern over fresh attacks by herdsmen and bandits in parts of Southern Kaduna communities, leading to killings and the destruction of farmers’ crops.

SOKAPU has called for the immediate intervention of the government to avoid further mayhem.

“SOKAPU, under the leadership of Tabara Kato, expresses its concerns over the sad, worrisome, and devastating news of the killing and destruction of farmers’ crops by herdsmen in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the group said in a statement issued by the spokesman of the union, Josiah Yusuf Abraks, on Saturday.

The union described the “incident, which took place and affected several people, as very disturbing,” saying that “it is particularly sad that it affected struggling people who can hardly afford to feed.”

“These are people who are predominantly farmers, including women. Amongst the victims is a woman fending for her partially blind husband, whose farm crops were completely ravaged by the cattle of the rampaging herdsmen.”

Abraks pointed out that “the culprits are yet to be apprehended. SOKAPU leadership is calling on the administration of His Excellency Governor Uba Sani and all security agencies to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of these evils in Yadi community of Kauru Local Government Area and anywhere else such crimes are committed.”

According to the Southern Kaduna group, the government would do well by providing palliatives to the affected people to enable them to pick up the pieces of their livelihood and continue with life.

Besides, he said, “in another development in Kwassam, Dr. Ishaya was killed and eight other people kidnapped, also in Kauru LGA. In yet another development, the District Head of Garu, Alhaji Babangida Adamu Suleiman, was kidnapped in Lere Local Government Area, and Pastor Peter Shabanyan was killed in the Katul Crossing community of Kachia Local Government Area.”

Abraks added that the leadership of SOKAPU is praying to God for the quick release of those kidnapped, the repose of the souls of the deceased, and divine consolation to the bereaved families.