The umbrella body of no fewer than 53 ethnic nationalities on the platform of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) on Wednesday lamented that communities in the southern axis of Kaduna State are currently under siege, saying the renewed attacks have shattered the relative peace hitherto enjoyed.
In a press statement signed by the Union’s National Public Relations Officer, Yakubu Kuzamani, the organisation wondered why both the federal and state governments have not evolved strategies to end the gory tale of bloodshed that commenced few days to Christmas and into the new year, culminating in the killing of Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama and his pregnant wife on 31st December, 2017 and abduction of the Ikulu Paramount Chief, HRH Yohanna Sidi Kukah, on January 2, 2018.
Recalling previous attacks, the statement said: “In Kajuru LG, after a heightened sense of insecurity pervaded the area, hostilities erupted in July, 2017 that led to loss of lives and displacement of so many people.
“Then the insecurity moved into the next Local Government – Chikun, where so many lost their lives from unprovoked attacks, robbery and whole scale kidnappings. Some displaced people still can’t return to their villages today.
“Then on the 22nd December, Nindem village under Godogodo chiefdom was attacked in the night. Next, Ungwan Mailafiya in Gwong chiefdom was attacked on Christmas Eve.
“And while we were wondering what the bigger picture is behind these renewed attacks on our innocent people, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama and his pregnant wife were killed on 31st December, 2017 when he went to his village to celebrate the New Year amidst his people.
“Our concern is further highlighted by the fact that none of these killers have been caught to serve as an assurance to us that the Government is on top of the issue. We remember the dozens of attacks in Sanga, Jema’a, Kaura and Kauru and the fact that the perpetrators of those attacks are today walking freely around.
“This lack of arrest has simply emboldened these terrorists to keep attacking and killing at will while the Government is left to issue flowery press statements after each attack and deploy security to already destroyed communities.
“We urge Government to increase the space for more meaningful engagement in searching for more viable deterrents to these killings. We also urge the security personnel to increase their intelligence gathering and go after these terrorists rather than wait for them to attack.
“It is the same atmosphere of insecurity that has led to the violent abduction of the paramount ruler of the Ikulu nation, HRH Mallam Yohanna Kukah from his palace in Anchuna, Zangon Kataf LG yesterday, 2/01/2018. His abduction is a reflection of other kidnappings all over the state and we urge the State Government to do more in securing his release and all others.“We strongly hold the opinion that putting a stop to these attacks on our communities is very possible. It is doable if the relevant authorities really, and sincerely want to.
“SOKAPU again condoles with the people of Kajuru, Chikun, Jama’a and now Sanga LGs over these avoidable attacks and urge the Government to live up to its sworn constitutional responsibilities of securing its citizens.”
