Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, alongside the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), has strongly condemned the latest wave of attacks in Southern Kaduna, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take immediate steps to end the violence.
Reacting to reports of fresh killings in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Atiku described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that the continued loss of innocent lives highlights the urgent need for more effective security measures.
According to him, no administration can claim meaningful success when citizens remain vulnerable to attacks in their communities. He urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives and property and undertake a comprehensive review of the nation’s security framework to address recurring violence in affected areas.
The former vice president also criticised what he described as the focus of some government officials on less pressing issues while communities continue to suffer deadly attacks, insisting that safeguarding Nigerians should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
Similarly, SOKAPU called on the Kaduna State Police Command to intensify efforts to curb the rising incidents of killings, kidnappings and destruction of farmlands across Southern Kaduna.
In an open letter dated July 27 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, SOKAPU President, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in several rural communities.
The union said its appeal was prompted by the recent attack on Narido community in Kauru Local Government Area, where about 30 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed, while many others sustained injuries.
SOKAPU noted that despite repeated assurances from security agencies, residents of Kajuru, Chikun, Kauru and Zangon Kataf local government areas continue to live under constant fear of attacks. It added that many families have been displaced from their ancestral homes as criminal groups allegedly operate with increasing boldness.
The organisation urged security agencies to move beyond reactive responses and adopt proactive, intelligence-driven strategies to tackle insecurity.
Among its recommendations were the deployment of Mobile Police and specialised counter-terrorism units to vulnerable communities, intensified intelligence operations to dismantle criminal hideouts, and regular patrols around farming settlements to ensure farmers can carry out their activities safely.
SOKAPU also called for improved response to emergency distress calls and stronger communication between security agencies and local communities to rebuild public confidence.
The union stressed that protecting lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government and urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives and displacement in the region.
Copies of the letter were also sent to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other relevant authorities, with the group appealing for urgent intervention to restore peace and security across Southern Kaduna.
Atiku, SOKAPU Condemn Southern Kaduna Killings, Demand Urgent Security Action
