By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Five years after the tragic killing of their paramount ruler, the Adara people have recounted in vivid detail how the body of the late Agom Adara was discovered on October 26, 2018, in the bush — abandoned by his murderers. The incident occurred under the immediate past administration in Kaduna State.
In a passionate and emotional statement titled “Adara in Focus,” the Adara community expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that they are still mourning the late monarch and seeking justice — not only for him but also for other slain natives, the displaced, and the land they claim has been taken from them.
According to the release, the Agom Adara and his wife were kidnapped on October 18, 2018, while returning to the palace. Three of his aides were killed during the abduction. Although a ransom was reportedly paid, the monarch was later found dead in the bush on October 26. His wife was released on October 20.
The unsigned statement — apparently to avoid reprisals — provided a timeline of events, painting a grim picture of what the community described as targeted marginalization, oppression, and violence.
The statement reads in part:
“On May 30, 2018, the late Agom Adara received a letter requesting his comment on the proposed change of the Adara Chiefdom’s name. Unbeknownst to the Adara Traditional Council, the Kaduna State Governor had already signed the change into law on May 29, 2018.”
“On June 21, 2018, the Adara Chiefdom formally wrote to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, rejecting the proposed change.”
“On October 18, the Agom Adara and his wife were kidnapped on their way to the palace. Three aides were killed. On October 20, his wife was released.”
“On October 21, panic spread across Kaduna, prompting a 24-hour curfew. On October 22, the governor addressed the state but made no mention of the kidnapped traditional ruler. During a security meeting the following day, the governor referred to the Agom Adara as ‘Sarkin Kachia’ — a move that sparked outrage among the Adara people.”
“The monarch’s slain body was discovered on Friday, October 26, 2018, despite the payment of ransom.”
“Subsequently, the Adara Traditional Council discovered, through the Kaduna State Government Gazette dated August 16, 2018, that the Adara Chiefdom had been scrapped.”
In January 2019, Adara elders filed a lawsuit against the Kaduna State Government, seeking the restoration of their chiefdom. However, in February of the same year, some of these elders were arrested on charges of culpable homicide and the alleged killing of cows.
Between February and May 2019, the community said hundreds of Adara people were attacked and killed in their homes, while 12,480 were displaced.
On May 31, 2019, charges against seven Adara elders were dismissed for lack of evidence, after they had spent over 100 days in prison without trial or bail.
The statement concludes:
“We continue to mourn our murdered Chief. It’s been over five years since his body was found lying on the cold, hard floor of the bush where his killers left him.”
“We are still crying for justice — for our murdered Agom Adara, our people, our displaced families, and our land.”
“Let Zeedan be free! Free Zeedan! We are Adara — one nation, one body. This is the truth of what is happening to the Adara people,” it stated.
