SOKAPU vows to recover Southern Kaduna lands from Fulani

Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has assured those who lost their lands to armed Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna that their lands would be reclaimed for them by all means, no matter the time it takes.

The President of SOKAPU, Jonathan Asake, gave the assurance, at the weekend, when he visited the village head of Unguwan Madaki, Na’Allah Na’Dare in Kakau ward, Chikun Local Council of Southern Kaduna.

Unguwan Madaki was attacked last Friday night by about 100 bandits, whom the community described as armed Fulani men.

A serving police officer and 10-year-old Yossie Ayuba, were reportedly shot dead in the attack.

No fewer than 26 persons were kidnapped, including the two wives of Na’Dare, Ruth and Blessing, according to SOKAPU.

Others taken away include three of Na’Dare’s children and the parents of slain Yossie, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Adamu.

The attackers stormed the village by 10 p.m. last Friday and operated for about 45 minutes, despite the resistance put up by local vigilante.

Asake said: “I have come here on behalf of Southern Kaduna people to show our sadness and anger over the incessant attacks, mass murder and mass abduction of our people. In Kakau, not far from here, 61 persons were kidnapped in the past three days and at least two killed. In Libere, Kallah Ward, Kajuru in Southern Kaduna, 76 Adara natives were kidnapped on May 22, 2021.

“What is even more disturbing is that the Kaduna State Government has refused to acknowledge and document all these crimes in its daily Security Updates usually signed by the Commissioner for Home Security and Internal Affairs, Samuel Aruwan. SOKAPU condemns all acts of violent crimes on anyone or community.”

He slammed the commissioner for taking some top military brass to condole the Emir of Zaria, Ahmed Bamali, over the killing of a student of Kaduna State Polytechnic and kidnap of some other persons under Zaria Emirate, but never made such gesture to any Southern Kaduna monarch, elders or leaders despite the huge loss in life and property in the area.

“It is just a matter of time; we shall get back these lands. These criminals and all those who backed them shall also be brought to justice one day. This is just a phase. We shall overcome this evil very soon,” Asake added.

The village head thanked Asake for the visit and for the previous goodwill that SOKAPU had extended to the village.