By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has alleged that no fewer than 14 people were killed and about 30 others kidnapped in a series of attacks across several communities in Southern Kaduna between October 23 and 31, 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, National President of SOKAPU, titled “Mitigating Insecurity in Southern Kaduna” and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Saturday.
According to the statement, the wave of violence has left several communities traumatized and facing threats of further attacks. SOKAPU called on both the Kaduna State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the affected areas.
The union emphasized that farmers and herders have historically coexisted peacefully, describing the recurring “farmers-herders clashes” as a stage-managed crisis allegedly fueled by elite cattle owners for political or economic gain.
“It can be proven that cattle do not stray into farms without being directed by their herders. Farmers are not enemies of herders. Wherever farms are destroyed, the cattle owners must be the aggressors,” the statement read.
SOKAPU further alleged that many of the cattle involved in farm invasions belong to influential elites and politicians, who use the resulting crises to pursue political or financial interests. The union warned that such actions undermine government efforts to curb insecurity and destabilize rural communities.
“The same individuals hiding under the guise of herder-farmer conflicts are exploiting the situation to erode the achievements of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in improving security,” Kato stated.
The union urged the government to identify and prosecute the true owners of cattle implicated in farm destruction, while maintaining the “shoot-on-sight” order on armed attackers previously issued by the former Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa (Rtd).
SOKAPU also called for immediate humanitarian intervention in affected areas, particularly Kabara and neighboring communities”, where widespread crop destruction has raised fears of food shortages.
While acknowledging what it described as a marked improvement in security under the current administration, the union expressed concern about renewed attacks in several localities, including Ungwar Rimi, Chawai, Kamaru, Wikeh, Gadanaji, Awon, Kabara, Rumaya, Farin Dutse, Damakasuwa, and Tsam.
“It is important to note that despite the progress under Governor Uba Sani and President Tinubu, recent incidents suggest a resurgence of violence that requires urgent and decisive action,” the statement added.
SOKAPU commended both leaders for their commitment to restoring peace but urged continued vigilance, proactive intelligence gathering, and community engagement to prevent further bloodshed in the region.
