A horrible instance of violence and kidnapping has been recorded in the Southern Kaduna area, according to the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU). Attacks by bandit herdsmen on the region occurred on October 2, 2021, and October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and the abduction of 31 more, respectively.
The women’s branch of SOKAPU has appealed to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in a Save Our Souls (SOS) message for immediate action to solve the deteriorating security situation. The abducted victims’ whereabouts are still unknown.
In addition to burning down towns and stealing livestock and food, the raids also left a large number of people homeless. According to Mrs. Jemutu Katarma, the National Women Coordinator of SOKAPU, Southern Kaduna is made up of eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, Lere LGA in the Kaduna North Senatorial Zone, and Kajuru and Chikun LGAs in the Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone.
Only roughly three of these 12 LGAs in Southern Kaduna have not seen armed group violence or crimes. Homes have been set ablaze, thousands slain, and hundreds kidnapped. Numerous communities have been looted, and some have even been seized by robbers.
The group specifically called attention to a tragic incident that occurred on October 2, 2021, in Kachuwe, a town in Niger State adjacent to Sarkin Pawa. After multiple bandit incursions into their communities in Chikun, they made the decision to go to Kachuwe, where they believed it to be safer, and begin their new lives as farmers there.
Unfortunately, on October 2, 2021, bandits attacked the village and murdered 13 adult males and a little girl. After perpetrating the crime, they ransacked the village and stole all the food and livestock. The village was afterwards destroyed by fire.
In order to deal with this growing situation, SOKAPU is pleading with the government to act immediately. The group thinks that since taking office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated a dedication to bringing unity, optimism, and confidence back to the state.