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Tag: Southern Kaduna

  • Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

    Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

    The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Association expressed deep anguish and condemned the incident, describing it as heart-rending, alarming, and unacceptable, particularly as it reportedly occurred during church services.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, SKCLA Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, said the Kajuru incident marked the first time in the history of the area that worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day.

    He lamented that the attack had added to the growing list of unresolved kidnappings across Southern Kaduna, especially in Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable communities, where families continue to live in uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

    The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims.

    They also urged decisive and sustained action to halt what they described as the recurring cycle of kidnappings and insecurity in the region.

    As a spiritual response to the crisis, Apostle Kure said the Association had proclaimed a two-day fasting and prayer programme anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna.

    According to the statement, the fasting will commence on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions in all churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.

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    “This call to fasting and prayer is a united cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity,” Apostle Kure said.

    He added that the programme also reflects rare unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment in the region’s history.

    The Association called on Christians within and outside Southern Kaduna to participate fully in the fast, while appealing to the wider Nigerian society to stand in solidarity with affected communities, particularly families of victims in Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and other flashpoints.

    “We will not be silent in the face of evil, nor will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement concluded.

  • Trauma healing workshop brings hope to Southern Kaduna communities

    Trauma healing workshop brings hope to Southern Kaduna communities

    A fresh wave of hope is sweeping through parts of Southern Kaduna as more than 50 community leaders, women, youth, and faith actors have been trained to heal trauma and create safe spaces in their communities.

    The five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, held in Zonkwa, Kaura Local Government Area, was organised by the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) with support from Tetra Tech’s SPRiNG project.

    Trauma Healing Consultant, Mr. Boniface Agbo, explained that the sessions treated trauma as “a wound of the heart and mind” and equipped participants with practical healing skills.

    He noted that trust, confidentiality, and empathy formed the foundation of the training, while safe spaces, listening companions, and WhatsApp support groups were established to sustain recovery beyond the classroom.

    Lead Consultant, Mr. Magu Zakka, said the participatory approach encouraged participants to share personal struggles, while also engaging officers from healthcare centres, gender-based violence desks, police, and the NSCDC to ensure professional support.

    “Exercises like the River of Life and the Empty Chair helped participants process grief and anger, while storytelling and forgiveness gave them the strength to move forward,” he added.

    Project Coordinator, Mr. Michael Agon, highlighted sustainability as a core focus, pointing to field visits in Chenchuk, Kpunyai, and Mifi-Attakar where safe spaces were created, listening companions identified, and community feedback mechanisms launched.

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    “These safe spaces, managed by trained companions, will keep the healing process alive long after the workshop,” he said, noting that practical exercises such as Listening Triads, Pebble-in-Shoe, and Contaminated Glass simulations deepened participants’ understanding of trauma and renewal.

    Participants described the experience as transformative. Mrs. Hauwa Luka from Kaura said an exercise on writing a letter to her late brother helped her release years of grief. “I left the session lighter,” she said.

    A youth leader from Zangon Kataf, James Musa, said he learned patience through the Listening Triads. “Now I know how to create space for others to be heard without judgment,” he added.

    Mrs. Sarah Yakubu, a women leader from Mifi-Attakar, said she now feels confident to guide others. “For the first time, I can lead women and young girls toward healing. We now have a safe space where they can share pain without fear,” she said.

    While celebrating the impact, facilitators admitted some challenges, including limited time, selection gaps, and scarce resources for follow-up mentoring. They recommended longer training sessions and stronger coaching support to consolidate progress.

    Observers hailed CRUDAN’s approach as a replicable model that bridges trauma healing with peacebuilding. By combining faith-sensitive practices with globally recognised trauma frameworks, the initiative is offering Southern Kaduna communities a pathway to resilience and reconciliation.

  • Bandits abduct, kill Catholic Priest in Southern Kaduna

    Bandits abduct, kill Catholic Priest in Southern Kaduna

    Bandits have reportedly killed Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fr Sylvester Okechukwu.

    The Catholic Priest was reported to have been kidnapped at his residence in Tachira around 9:15pm on Tuesday and killed in the early hours of Wednesday.

    Though the Kaduna Police Command could not be reached for confirmation of the incident, Chancellor of Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement reads: “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest, Rev Fr Sylvester Okechukwu (Born 11/12/1980 and ordained 11/02/ 2021), who was the Pastor of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fr Sylvester was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of 4th March 2025 at approximately 9:15 PM WAT.

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    “After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025, Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was killed.

    “This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners.

    “His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.

    “Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.

    “We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. No one should take the law into their hands.

    “The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment.”

  • We are not part of Southern Kaduna, Lere Forum declares

    We are not part of Southern Kaduna, Lere Forum declares

    The Lere Local Government Unity Associations Forum has condemned the inclusion of its representatives in a programme booklet from the recently held Southern Kaduna Festival 2024 in Kafanchan.

    The forum described the action as misleading and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the status of Lere Local Government as part of Southern Kaduna.

    Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, the forum, chaired by Barr. Nasiru Bello Dembo, expressed dissatisfaction with the event organisers, including the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations (DDAs Forum), Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, and Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).

    The forum alleged that the labelling of Hon. Munir Ahmed Mohammed, Hon. Munira S. Tanimu, Hon. Gatari Idris Bashir, and Hon. Jafaru Ahmed as members from Southern Kaduna was intentional and aimed at achieving hidden motives.

    In a statement jointly signed by the chairman and the secretary, Mal. Ahmad S. Idris, the forum clarified that Lere Local Government, constitutionally, politically, culturally, and traditionally, does not share affiliations with Southern Kaduna.

    “The inclusion of our Honourable Members as representatives of Southern Kaduna is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. By the provisions of Sections 71 and 72 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Lere Local Government is part of the Kaduna North Senatorial District, alongside Ikara, Kubau, Makarfi, Kudan, Soba, Sabon Gari, and Zaria local governments. It is misleading and mischievous to associate us with Southern Kaduna,” the forum stated.

    The forum highlighted previous resolutions and memoranda, including one submitted in 2002 and another in April 2024, which affirmed Lere’s stance against being classified as part of Southern Kaduna or included in the agitation for the creation of Gurara State.

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    “We have made our position clear on several occasions. Lere Local Government will not associate itself with Southern Kaduna or be part of any agitation for Gurara State. These assertions are contrary to the wishes of our people and do not align with our historical, cultural, or political affiliations,” the statement added.

    The forum accused the organisers of violating constitutional provisions by undermining the legitimate interests of others. Citing Section 24 (c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution, the forum urged the organisers to respect the dignity and rights of citizens and avoid actions that could undermine peace and unity.

    While calling for an end to the misrepresentation, the forum encouraged the organisers to propagate peace within their district and adhere to constitutional provisions for state creation rather than resorting to what it described as “backdoor tactics.”

    “We urge the organisers to desist from labelling our Honourable Members as representatives of Southern Kaduna and to follow due process in their advocacy. We remain committed to peaceful coexistence and unity in Kaduna State,” the forum concluded.

  • Southern Kaduna and the Church’s silence

    Southern Kaduna and the Church’s silence

    By Francis Damina

    The recent press statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, BOT chairman PVC-NAIJA and initiator, Concerned Nigerians for Security, Unity and Sovereignty, titled “On The Recent Release of Bandits in Parts of Southern Kaduna”, which went viral both in the print and social media, came to me as a rude shock. In the statement, Akinyemi raised an alarm that bandits responsible for various crimes including their alleged involvement in the burning of Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamanton, leading to the death of Na’aman Danlami, a seminarian, had been released and back in the Ikulu community of Southern Kaduna. In parts, the statement says: “These same criminals are known to be responsible for why Southern Kaduna, particularly Ikulu land, has become a theatre of death, a cluster for kidnappers, and a harmful colony to both its people and would-be investors”.

    “It was the operations of these murderers, and later, their acolytes, that led to the murder of a former Director- General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Dr. Yakubu Sankey; Ardo Saleh Umar who was slaughtered like ram, and a retired Airforce Officer, Master Warrant Hamza Musa, among many others sent to their early graves “. Their release, which this essayist later confirmed to be true, “was marked by both celebration and mourning. Celebration by their families and friends, and mourning by the rest of society. In fact, in the last few days, particularly in Ikulu land, there have been impromptu migrations for fear of the obvious “, the statement concluded.

    As a student of religion and society familiar with the gamut of literature on the Church’s investment on humanity – particularly on the defence of human life and dignity, I am shocked that it now takes an Akinyemi from Lagos to speak in defence of the vulnerable children of God in Southern Kaduna. This is in a perilous time when the angel of death manifesting in these miscreants, has now become our guest. A time when human life has become nasty, brutish and short. A time when even men in cassock get sacrificed in fires set by venal men. A time when priests seek asylum outside the house of God. A time of real famine owing to the inability of ordinary people to access their farms. All because of the activities of the few who have vowed to make our earthly paradise a hell.

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    My argument is that, the silence of the Church, especially in Southern Kaduna, seriously indicates a loophole. Literature on Church and State relations shows clearly that the Church is a partner with government on matters of humanity and not a spectator. I cannot therefore understand the culpable silence of the Church in the face of these evil epiphanies. That the Church in Southern Kaduna appears more concerned about preaching heaven and seemingly undisturbed about the sufferings of the people.

    From the time of the Apostles, the Church is known for its consistent insistence for the establishment of a society where justice and peace are the major attributes. Or, is our Holy Book not replete with stories of confrontations between prophets and the rulers of their time much of which was on how society was to be governed for the realisation of the common good aimed at maximising opportunities to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number?

    Even in contemporary time, there are many clerics who abandoned the comfort of their Presbyteries to identify with, and to speak in defence of the common good. In the 1970s, we heard of Bishop Juan Gardi of Guatemala who was an outspoken critic of military rule.

    In the Philippines, the role Cardinal Sin played in ensuring local and international pressure in forcing Ferdinand Marcos to eventually flee the country needs no repeating.

    The most obvious example of the role of the clergy in bringing about a just society is probably that of Desmond Tutu during apartheid in South Africa. In recognition of the role he played, Tutu was, in 1984, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and during the presidency of Nelson Mandela, made the chairman of the famous South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

    Here at home, there are names such as Cardinal Okogie, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Sunday Mbang, etc, who are known for speaking truth to power irrespective of whose ox is gored. Of course, we know the price they have paid and still.

    In our present circumstance, I have watched how life has seemingly lost its dignity. I have particularly watched how my siblings, friends and neighbours got killed. How my house was rather unsuccessfully visited the first time; and my mother kidnapped on the anniversary of the first visit. I cannot forget the times they called and we negotiated for her quick release in view of the December cold that was at its peak. I cannot forget when granted the privilege to speak with her on the phone and she asked me not to again call her mother saying that I did not do enough to bring her back. Can I forget when my brother and I, in company of several others, went into the bush in search for our mother; and how he broke down in tears babbling and asking: ‘Is this Mom that we are looking for?’

    Many cassocks have been stained with blood. Many have lost their lives. Others today are either with one leg or one hand. All because of the few venal men. Only recently in my clime, like an apocryphal story, these miscreants kept ringing a victim they had released. They claimed that he  owed them N300,000. Yes N300,000 because his family was only able to pay N700,000 out of the N1million they were asked to produce. But thank God he has now settled them. How did it happen? A couple of weeks back, they re-kidnapped him in his farm claiming  that though he was yet to settle them,  he went about buying bags of fertilizer in preparation for the next farming season. Same bags of fertilizer were sold to settle the debt. These stories are many and frightening!

     The story of the gruesome murder of a former Director- General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos, Dr. Yakubu Sankey, needs no repeating. I was actually on my way to Port Harcourt when at dawn, my mother called to tell me. And since I was on my way to attend Bishop Kukah’s book launch in Port Harcourt, and knowing how he often called the revered academic “my brother”, and also familiar with his relationship with Mrs Elizabeth Pam – the late widow of the famous Major Yakubu Pam and mother in-law to Dr. Sankey, I quickly rang the Bishop. But he will ask me to shut up arguing that the story was too cruel to be true. But that was how we lost the revered academic with no words from government about his unambiguous killers.

    Amidst these evil, the Church cannot afford to act like a spectator if it must live true to its mission. At the moment, it is the hope of our vulnerable people. It must make sure that those who perpetrate evil in our society get punished. Because of the compromises that have over the years characterized the breweries of justice in our society – the courts and the law enforcement agencies, it should never be presumed that justice is already assured or automated. In fact, these miscreants, their families and sympathisers believe that with money, they have nothing to worry about.

    Apart from prayer, it is the social responsibility of the Church to teach the people how to protest against evil. Yes, they must learn how to aggressively and reflexively take to the streets in protest, and to bang on doors when they perceive injustice or a threat to their lives. And this is what distinguishes democracy from dictatorships.

    •Damina, a student of religion and society, wrote from Kaduna.

  • Fed Govt warns Southern Kaduna communities against illegal mining

    Fed Govt warns Southern Kaduna communities against illegal mining

    The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has warned communities and other critical stakeholders in the southern part of Kaduna State on the dangers of allowing illegal mining activities in their areas.

    The government gave the warning at a town hall meeting organised by the Northwest office of the ministry at Kafanchan in Jamaa Local Government Area.

    During the parley, mining stakeholders in the zone agreed to ensure effective and sustainable development in the sector.

    Presenting a paper at the meeting, the Acting Zonal Mines Coordinator of the Northwest Kaduna, Kutman Hosea Ali, noted that the ministry was committed to enhancing collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders by fostering an environment conducive for sustainable mining activities.

    Ali noted that Southern Kaduna was an emerging mining zone, hence the need for the residents to be aware of the realities on the ground and the government’s position.

    “We are here on behalf of the minister, who directed that a meeting of this nature should be held in Kaduna, and Kafanchan in particular.

    “This is because Southern Kaduna is coming up as an active mining zone; it’s active in the sense that lithium, which is becoming a hot cake globally, is found predominantly here.  

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    “That is why we have come to sensitise the communities and the mining companies to their responsibilities to each other,” he said.

    Also, in his paper presentation, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Kaduna command, Mr. Eric Billy, reminded the stakeholders that illegal mining is an economic crime that must be reported and offenders face the law.

    “People should try and get the requisite licence because there are a lot of them involved in this illegal licensing. When EFCC goes after them, they will complain of witch-hunting only for deeper investigation to reveal they are culpable,” he said.

    The EFCC officer also cautioned those with the mining licence to operate within the scope of the permission given to them. 

    The Chief of Moroa, Mr. Tagwai Sambo, expressed delight with the town hall meeting.

    He promised to always preach peace to his subjects. 

    Monday Barau, who spoke on behalf of mining companies in Kaduna, attributed the poor contribution of the sector to the economy to illegal mining.

    He solicited the support of stakeholders to reposition the sector and maximise its potential.     

  • Lamentations as stakeholders proffer solutions to KADUNA KILLINGS

    As mindless attacks in various communities in Southern Kaduna have continued to generate tension in the area, ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE engaged stakeholders on the permanent solutions to the crises.

    On the eve of the botched presidential and National Assembly elections, news of the killings of 66 persons in an armed attack on a Fulani community in Kajuru, Kaduna State, was broken by the state government. But organisations like the Southern Kaduna People’s Forum (SOKAPU) and Adara Development Association (ADA) kicked, questioning the figure, as well as the timing of the disclosure.

    SOKAPU president, Solomon Musa, a lawyer, expressed doubt on the number of persons who were claimed to have died in the attack. The leadership of the Fulani community, on the other hand, raised questions on the whereabouts of the bodies of those allegedly  killed in Ungwan Barde, the Adara community. In fact, they denied the reported attack on the Adara community.

    While the controversy raged on, fresh attacks were carried out in villages around Kajuru Local Government and lately, in Sanga Local Government Area, leaving over one hundred citizens dead at the end of the attacks.

    Subsequently, Adara people took to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday to protest the killings in Kajuru.

    Also disturbed by the development in the area, some stakeholders have spoken on the way out of the crises.

    The President of Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), Solomon Musa,  said the first thing to do in an attempt to end the killings in Kajuru and other places, especially in Southern Kaduna, is to identify the killers and punish them.

    He, however, said that the state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, would be of immense help in fishing out the killers.

    According to Musa, “Talking about the way forward, the question is, who are the attackers? It is better to start from there. Now, the governor of Kaduna State was very kind enough in 2016 when he told the world that the attackers of Southern Kaduna people are Fulani from 14 African countries, and that he sat down with them, he negotiated with them and paid them compensation.

    “Now, if you paid people compensation and they are still killing, then it has turned out to be a reward. Then, the right thing to do is to either invite el-Rufai or go to him and say, Your Excellency, you disclosed to us that, you know the criminals who are attacking the people of Southern Kaduna, can you tell us where you met them  so that we can now invite or arrest them? So, Governor el-Rufai is a material witness that is supposed to help in the investigation.

    “Number two, it is very shocking that, the victims who are being attacked in their own villages, their leaders are now the ones being arrested; nine of them have been arrested and remanded in prison. So, there is need for all the Adara leaders who have been unjustly incarcerated to be released.

    “Also, the state government seems to have a problem with the Adara people. After the attack in Sanga, they took some relief materials there, but those of Adara land, nothing has been done.

    “In the North-East, the Federal Government established what is called the North-East Development Commission, and part of its mandate is rebuilding, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relief intervention and others. Now, so many communities have been levelled to the ground in Southern Kaduna, so, there is need to establish the Southern Kaduna Development Commission so that, they will be given the task to rebuild.

    “Number four, there is need for the Federal Government to set up a high-powered, impartial investigation on the Southern Kaduna killings. Number five, we cannot move forward without fairness and justice to all by the government,” he said.

    The leader of the Fulani community and Secretary-General of Gam Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, said dialogue among the affected communities is the surest way to forestall future recurrence of such crises.

    Alleging that some people are benefiting from the crises, Dr. Abdullahi stressed the need for the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and make them face the full wrath of the law.

    According to him, “First of all, the security agencies should do their work by first identifying the perpetrators of these crimes, so that they can be made to face the wrath of the law.

    “Secondly, there must be concerted efforts for dialogue from the grassroots level. Let all the people come together and talk on the way forward, the causes of the crises and how to resolve them, because we have lived together for too long to now allow this to divide us.

    “At our own level in our own association, we have started this. We have been discussing with the leaders of the Adara community, and we have got somewhere. Now, we are trying to identify all the people affected from all sides, so that we can bring them together to dialogue.

    “So, while making our own little contribution, the security agencies should also do the needful by identifying the culprits. But, no matter how much you do to make people live together, unless you inculcate this spirit of dialogue in them and make them understand that retaliation has never solved any problem and it is not going to solve the problem, we would not be doing justice to the issue.”

    The GAFDAN scribe expressed happiness that some suspects have been apprehended. “We are hoping that investigation and prosecution will follow immediately to serve as deterrent to others.

    “I am  from Southern Kaduna and I know how we have lived peacefully with one another. So, it is our duty to leave the kind of peaceful co-existence that we had enjoyed in the past for our children. “If we continue to accuse one another of one thing or the other without coming together to understand the problems threatening to divide us, we will not live in peace. Of what benefit would it be to exterminate the entire Adara people from the face of this world? Or what will it benefit anyone to want to exterminate our race from the face of the earth? Because, I heard some people saying it was an attempt to wipe out one race or the other.

    “I also think there are entrepreneurs of crisis who are benefiting from these crises. My appeal to them is that they should give peace a chance and allow meaningful development to take place.”

    Also calling for the punishment of the culprits, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, an Islamic body opined that implementing reports of the commission of inquiries into the previous crises in the state will solve the problem.

    The Secretary of the Council in Kaduna State, Engr. AbdurRahman Hassan, in a telephone interview with The Nation,  said those indicted in the previous crises should be punished to serve as deterrent to others.

    “For some time now, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah has been making this call to successive governments in Kaduna State, that if these crises must stop, they should dust all the white papers from the previous commissions of inquiry.

    “In doing so, all the people indicted in those previous crises should be punished according to the law. If that is done, nobody will ever try to infringe on the rights of other people.

    “There is also need for the security agencies to move in, comb the entire area and mop up arms from the people. If that is done, it will also go a long way in stopping the attacks. “The communities too need to understand that, no meaning development can take place where there is crisis. Therefore, we must learn to tolerate ourselves and take advantage of our diversity for the progress of our society rather than killing one another, which benefits no one at the end of the day.

    But, the Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province seem to differ with the Shari’ah Council, as they see an immediate stakeholders’ meeting as the best way to addressing the incessant killings. They, however, appealed to the Kaduna State government to as a matter of urgency convene such a meeting.

    In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the province, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Manoso Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese and the Secretary, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. John Mamasa Niriing (OSA) of Kano Diocese, the bishops lamented that  the resumption of what they described  as the mindless killings in the Kajuru area of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, have come to them with a great shock again.

    They noted with dismay that in the last four months alone, the communities have suffered a chain of tragedies, which climaxed with the gruesome murder of their paramount chief, the Agwom Adara, Mr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, in October last year.

    According to them, “We had hoped that this tragedy would alert the state government to the seriousness of the tragedy and alert all sides of the urgency to peaceful co-existence. Unfortunately, the situation seems to be getting worse among the communities around Adara land.

    “While the people of Adara still have no traditional ruler, their other leaders have been rounded up under various allegations and have been in detention for a few weeks now. Clearly, these developments have exposed the Adara people to both physical, cultural and psychological insecurity.

    “Although these killings continue to carry such labels as farmer-herder clashes, ethno-religious and reprisal killings, they do not explain the existential threat that this poses for the faith of our people in a united Nigeria. It is increasingly clear that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are not acting as lone rangers. These killings have shown every sign of being well planned, well-co-ordinated and targeted.”

    They lamented that thousands of the communities have now lost lives, homes, and all their life savings and earnings. “Ours are communities of farmers and herders. The rains will soon be here.”

    The Catholic bishops, therefore, appealed to the state government to convoke a stakeholders meeting and as well commence a judicial process.

    “First, we appeal to the Kaduna State government to consider convening a stake holders’ meeting made up of representatives of a wide segment of the entire state. Such a meeting will include the political and business elite, senior citizens and statesmen and women, civil society groups etc.

    “This meeting will help us work towards putting the history of violence behind us and laying the foundation for the genuine development and integration of the people of the state.

    “Second, we call for the commencement of a judicial process leading to the trial of anyone judged to be involved in the violence, while setting free those who are innocent. This will help to build more trust among our people,” the clerics said.

    Zigwai Ayuba, Executive Director, One Project Afrika, a Non-Govermental Organisation that has been working on peace in Kaduna State said the unfortunate killings going on in Kaduna call for a more drastic measure.

    She lamented: “At a time when the killings were happening on a  daily basis in Southern Kaduna, no one was prosecuted and now it has moved to Kaduna Central.

    “Our level of tolerance is dropping because we have embraced hate against love. The security agencies need to do their work devoid of prejudice and political affiliations.

    “The government’s stance on setting up a judicial commission of enquiries will only intensify the rift in the affected communities. The best this is to get people to talk to themselves through dialogue.  Let them fight at the table if need be but at the end of the day, all grievances are resolved so they return to their communities and address their people.

    “Very importantly when arrests are made, let people be informed of the actions taken because too many arrests have been made and because the security agencies do not want to temper with the powers that be, they sweep most of the cases beneath the carpet. Before any arrest, proper investigation should be carried out not what we see today. The eight LGAs of Southern Kaduna have enjoyed relative peace until lately.

    “The number of lives being wasted in Kajuru is alarming! Both the government and the security agencies seem to be overwhelmed but the Federal Government can deploy security because it is an obligation to them to save lives first before any other thing.

    “Neutrality of government when lives are lost should be of importance.  Let leaders speak love not things that deepen the chasm and remind of our differences over our unity. Citizens also need to place more value on life over everything.”

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government, in its wisdom,  has resolved to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the incidences of the renewed killings.

    Governor el-Rufai while addressing the survivors of one of the attacks that took place in Karamai, Kajuru Local Government Area, explained that building sustainable peace in the area requires that all the facts around the violent conflict be established.

    He condemned the attackers as godless people who are wantonly violating the injunctions of the Holy Books of Christianity and Islam and promised that they would be brought to book.

  • Election: Southern Kaduna asks Makarfi, Sambo, Hunkuyi, Ashiru to explain PDP’s failure

    •Threatens to shift loyalty to APC at guber poll

    THE people of Southern Kaduna have vowed to align with another party and possibly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not explain to them what led to the woeful performance of the party in the northern part of the state during the presidential election.

    Southern Kaduna people who spoke through Coalition of Southern Kaduna Nationalities (CSKN) lamented that, none of the PDP’s bigwigs from Kaduna north, including former Governors Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi could deliver their respective local governments areas to the PDP during the presidential and national assembly polls.

    Towards this end, the CSKN said, an ultimatum of 24 hours is issued to the PDP and the party bigwigs in question to respond accordingly, or may be left with no option than to shift their loyalty to another party that will take care of their aspirations and yearnings in the zone.

    Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on yesterday, the leader of CSKN Dr. Yusuf Gandu Magaji said, “the Southern Kaduna Nationalities are disenchanted by the voting pattern as revealed by the results from Zone 1. We believe that there is a betrayal of confidence and trust along the party (PDP) stalwarts in Zone 1 who can no longer be trusted.

    “The pattern of the results of the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on the 23rd February. 2019 leaves much to be desired. The results from Kaduna North caused a shock to the Southern Kaduna Nationalities and instigated a rethink in our longstanding marriage and commitment to the opposition party, PDP.

    “The result shows that PDP won overwhelming in the Southern Senatorial Zone. This stresses a fact that, the zone remained faithful and voted for the party en-mass. However, in a sharp contrast, the party performed woefully in Zone 1 as their loyalty was shifted to APC.

    “The key issue here is that most of the party heavy weights and those who benefitted during the PDP’s reign concentrate in Zone 1, yet they failed to deliver their wards to the party.”

  • Southern Kaduna, CAN attack El-Rufai over Kaduna killings, say governor lied

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has come under attack over the killings in Kajuru Local Government Area.

    The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), the indigenous community of the troubled area, Adara Development Association and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) ,in their separate reactions, called El-Rufai a liar.

    The Kaduna State’s chapter of CAN, SOKAPU and Adara people also accused the governor of trying to instigate a crisis in the area.

    But, El-Rufai, who visited the scenes of the killings, warned against politicising the tragedy. The governor said those minimising the casualty figures are bigots.

    SOKAPU called on the Inspector General of Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the killings, insisting tht El-Rufai’s claim that 66 persons were killed was false.

    The union said  it was in the character of Governor El-Rufai  to promote violence through spreading hate speech for the advancement of his waning political survival.

    In a statement by the body’s spokesman, Yakubu Kuzamani, he said “SOKAPU is shocked at the deliberate falsehood by El-Rufai who found it convenient not to inform the world of an earlier attack that claimed the lives of 11 Adara natives.

    “SOKAPU is convinced that el-Rufai is on an irrevocable journey of inflaming ethnic conflagration that has always been in line with his deliberate chronicle of profiling Southern Kaduna people as favourably disposed to violence.

    “We are startled that it was the governor and not the police that announced the alleged killings in Kajuru. Let Nigerians and the world know that should there be any breakdown of law and order in Kaduna State, Governor El-Rufai should be held responsible.

    The statement went on:  “SOKAPU has reached out to the various community leaders in Kajuru, including officials of the Adara Nation, to ascertain what actually happened. On Sunday, February 10, 2019, the Adara natives residing in Ungwar Barde in Kufana District of Kajuru Local Government Area came under attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

    “The attack lasted from 10pm of Sunday to 4am of Monday February 11, 2019. By the time the merchants of death and destruction were through with their mission, no fewer than 11 lives, including a pregnant woman, were lost. Scores of victims of the attack on Ungwar Barde sustained injuries, with some of them presently receiving treatment at some health facilities in the state capital.

    “We have been informed that the attackers, seven of them, were arrested by a team of policemen. Sadly, not a statement was issued by El-Rufai over that gruesome attack on Ungwan Barde.”

    State Can chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab said the government should be held responsible in case of any crisis in the state.

    “The incidence of raising false alarm by the Kaduna State Government should make Nigerians realise that some of our leaders are also guilty of hate speech themselves and that makes them major actors in the game that have denied us peace and have claimed the lives of our love ones.

    “We call on the general public to treat with disregard the press statement from the office of the Kaduna State Governor and to note that should Kaduna State experience any breach of security before, during and after the general elections we shall hold the Kaduna State Government responsible.”

    “We call on our media to grow above the temptations that water down our trust in them, the media houses must not allow themselves to be bought over but be objective and honest in their reportage,” the CAN chairman said.

    The indigenous community of the troubled area, Adara Development Association (ADA), said it was faced with deliberate lies allegedly being manufactured by El-Rufai.

    Adara people, in their statement titled: “Adara incident: the Facts Behind the Deliberate Lies”, said the governor was trying to instigate a crisis in their area.

    The statement signed by ADA National Assistant Secretary, Luke Godwin Waziri sauid: “In view of the unfortunate incidents that we are faced with in Adara land and the deliberate lies being manufactured against us as a people by the governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El- Rufai , we deem it necessary to state the facts and correct the official and deliberate lies.

    “It has also become necessary to highlight the high handedness and mischievous manner that the governor of Kaduna State has been deploying against us as a people. Not satisfied with a deliberate attempt to balkanise our traditional institution and culture, the governor is currently trying to instigate a crisis in our area.

    “On Friday, 15th of February, 2019, on the eve of what would have been our national elections, we watched with shock the governor granting an interview that 66 people were allegedly killed in Kajuru, Kaduna State. The governor went ahead to list the number of villages that were attacked but deliberately excluded Ungwan Barde where our people were killed.  He also gave the gender statistics of those allegedly killed and the tribe of the victims but again mischievously left out the 11 Adara people who were killed.

    “He insinuated that the incident happened on the eve of the election. But the truth is that the incident took place between Sunday, 10th February, to Tuesday, 12th February 2019 in Ungwar Barde in Kufana District, where 11 innocent Adara people were earlier killed without any provocation.

    “The district head of Kufana wrote an official report to the police about the incident. The member representing Kajuru in the Kaduna State House of Assembly also informed the government about the incident. Even the chairman of the local government, Cafra Caino, was also aware of the incident.  But, to our greatest surprise, the chairman did not take steps to set the records straight when lies were being spread against the people he leads.

    “After the incidents, the communities that were affected even came together and started the process of reconciliation amongst themselves. Through all these, nothing was heard from the government, nothing was said by the government and nothing was done.  None of the affected communities was even visited by him.

    “We were shell shocked when on Friday the governor issued a statement about killings days after the dust had settled and the people themselves were working to understand the incident in order to find measures to address it.

    “To further complicate matters, media houses kept reporting it as ‘Breaking News’.  It is really incredulous that the eve of the election was the most appropriate time the governor found to disclose the attacks, give the ‘specific number’ of those allegedly killed, the ethnic group they belong and the names of the villages affected.  There could never have been a clearer attempt by the governor to instigate crisis than this malicious, insensitive and incendiary strategy.

    “The governor did not stop there. He went up on different TV houses and newspapers on the issue as one heralding news – still giving a one-sided version and intermittently spicing it with the word ‘reprisal’ at a time when he ought to have been putting finishing touches to his candidacy for elections that would have held in hours. It is not hard to see what such theatrics was intended to achieve.

    “This completely lends credence to everyone’s belief that the governor is seriously working toward instigating a crisis in our land and Kaduna State for his own deadly benefit. But we in Adara land have resolutely decided that no amount of blatant provocation would make us to lose our calm. Our peaceful disposition is legendary and we will continue with that.

    “Faced with mounting pressure to prove his allegations of ‘66 killed’, the governor hurriedly visited some few places but ensured that the District head of Kufana, Mr Dauda Titus and the National President of the Adara Development Association, Mr Dio Maisamari, were quickly arrested and locked up for the duration that he visited.  The reasons are just too obvious! The District Head was released only when the governor had concluded his visit while Mr Dio is still being held by the Police.

    “We invite the world’s attention to the serious and indiscriminate arrest of our people and chiefs. Many of them have been arrested for just no reason and without due process. We call for their immediate release and demand that Governor Nasir El-Rufai desists from making life difficult for our people with his arbitrary, divisive and incendiary use of power.

    “We want to place on record before the whole world that El- Rufai is working assiduously to instigate a crisis in Kaduna for his own political gain, and that should crisis break out, local and international observers should know who to hold responsible.”

    El-Rufai was accompanied to the scene of the attack by Major-General Faruk Yahaya, GOC 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Air Cmdr. I. Sani of the Nigerian Air Force, Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdurrahman and State Director of DSS, A.I. Koya. The chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Cafra Caino, also joined the governor on the visit. The governor condemned the killings.

    According to his spokesman Samuel Aruwan, El-Rufai noted that there had been concerted and coordinated efforts by “bigoted busy bodies” to deny or minimise the casualty figures.

    Quoting the governor, Aruwan said: “Only irresponsible and insensitive people can recklessly dismiss the deaths of members of a community with whom they have no contact. Private individuals and unelected actors cannot be allowed to reduce weighty matters of state security to the province of their limited networks, inexperienced lenses and narrow agendas.”

    ”Governor El-Rufai during the visit warned the community against reprisals and to shun violence.

    “Also, the Commissioner of Police confirmed that some arrests had been made in connection with the incident and that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. ”

    “Also, Gen. Yahaya briefed the governor on the recovery of 66 corpses by soldiers in the Maro and Iri axis of Kajuru Local Government Area. The general conducted the governor around the scenes of the crime which were littered with the wreckage of burnt buildings and dead animals.” Aruwan said.

  • Kaduna killings: El-Rufai lied, plotting crises – Southern Kaduna, CAN

    …bigots minimizing casualty figure – El-Rufai,  ACF, Council of Imams want sponsors prosecuted

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has come under heavy verbal attacks from the leadership of Southern Kaduna and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), over the recent killings in Kajuru local government area of the state.

    The Southern Kaduna under the auspices of Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) the indigenous community of the troubled area, Adara Development Association and CAN in their separate reactions called Governor El-Rufai a liar.

    Kaduna state chapter of CAN, SOKAPU and Adara people also accused the Governor of trying to instigated crisis in the area.

    But, Governor El-Rufai who visited the scenes of the killings warned against politicizing the killings. The Governor in turn said, those minimizing casualty figures are bigots.

    SOKAPU called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Department of State Service (DSS) to carry out an independent investigation on what actually transpired in Kajuru, as it claimed that the state’s governor is making false claim that 66 persons were been killed in the council.

    The union said  it has always been in the character of the governor el-Rufai  to promote violence through spreading hate speech for the advancement of his waning political survival.

    In a statement by the body’s National PRO, Yakubu Kuzamani, he said “SOKAPU is shocked at the deliberate falsehood by El-Rufai who found it convenient not to inform the world of an earlier attack that claimed the lives of 11 Adara natives.

    “SOKAPU is convinced that Governor el-Rufai is on an irrevocable journey of inflaming ethnic conflagration that has always been in line with his deliberate chronicle of profiling Southern Kaduna people as favourably disposed to violence.

    “We are startled that it was the governor and not the police that announced the alleged killings in Kajuru. Let Nigerians and the world know that, should there be any breakdown of law and order in Kaduna state, Governor el-Rufai should be held responsible.

    According to the statement, “SOKAPU has reached out to the various community leaders in Kajuru, including officials of the Adara Nation to ascertain what actually happened. On Sunday, February 10, 2019, the Adara natives residing in Ungwar Barde in Kufana District of Kajuru Local Government Area came under attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

    “The attack lasted from 10pm of Sunday to 4am of Monday February 11, 2019. By the time the merchants of deaths and destructions were through with their mission, no fewer than 11 lives, including a pregnant woman, were lost. Scores of victims of the attack on Ungwar Barde sustained injuries, with some of them presently receiving treatment at some health facilities in the state capital.

    “We have been informed that the attackers, seven of them in number, were arrested by a team of policemen. Sadly, not a statement was issued by el-Rufai over that gruesome attack on Ungwan Barde.” SOKAPU said.

    In its own reaction issued by state chapter chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said, the state government should be held responsible in case of any crisis in the state.

    “The incidence of raising false alarm by the Kaduna State Government should make Nigerians realized that some of our leaders are also guilty of hate speech themselves and that makes them major actors in the game that have denied us peace and have claimed the lives of our love ones.
    “We call on the general public to treat with disregard the press statement from the office of the Kaduna State Governor and to note that should Kaduna State experience any bridge of security before, during and after the general elections we shall hold the Kaduna State Goverment responsible.
    “We call on our media to grow above the temptations that water down our trust in them, the media houses must not allow themselves to be bought over but be objective and honest in their reportage.” CAN Chairman said.

    In the same vein, the indigenous community of the troubled area, Adara Development Association (ADA), said they were faced with deliberate lies being manufactured against them by the Governor Nasir El-Rufai

    Adara people in their statement titled;
    “Adara Incident: the Facts Behind the Deliberate Lies”, said the governor is currently trying to instigate a crisis in their area.

    According to the statement signed ADA National Assistant Secretary, Barrister Luke Godwin Waziri, “In view of the unfortunate incidents that we are faced with in Adara land and the deliberate lies being manufactured against us as a people by the governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir el- rufai , we deem it necessary to state the facts and correct the official and deliberate lies.
    “It has also become necessary to highlight the high handedness and mischievous manner that the governor of Kaduna state has been deploying against us as a people. Not satisfied with a deliberate attempt to balkanize our traditional institution and culture, the governor is currently trying to instigate a crisis in our area.
    “On Friday 15th February 2019, on the eve of what would have been our national elections, we watched with shock the governor granting an interview that 66 people were allegedly killed in Kajuru, Kaduna state. The governor went ahead to list the number of villages that were attacked but deliberately excluded Ungwan Barde where our people were killed.  He also gave the gender statistics of those allegedly killed and the tribe of the victims but again mischievously left out the 11 Adara people who were killed.

    “He insinuated that the incident happened on the eve of the election. But the truth is that the incident took place between Sunday 10th February, to Tuesday 12 February 2019 in Ungwar Barde in Kufana District, where 11 innocent Adara people were earlier killed without any provocation.
    “The district head of Kufana wrote an official report to the police about the incident. The member representing Kajuru in the Kaduna State House of Assembly also informed the government about the incident. Even the chairman of the Local government, Cafra Caino was also aware of the incident.  But to our greatest surprise, the chairman did not take steps to set the records straight when lies were being spread against the people he leads.
    “After the incidents, the communities that were affected even came together and started the process of reconciliation amongst themselves. Through all these, nothing was heard from the government, nothing was said by the government and nothing was done.  None of the affected community was even visited by him.
    “We were shell shocked when on Friday the governor issued a statement about killings days after the dust had settled and the people themselves were working to understand the incident in order to find measures to address it.

    “To further complicate matters, media houses kept reporting it as ‘Breaking News’.  It is really incredulous that the eve of the election was the most appropriate time the governor found to disclose the attacks, give the ‘specific number’ of those allegedly killed, the ethnic group they belong and the names of the villages affected.  There could never have been a clearer attempt by the governor to instigate crisis than this malicious, insensitive and incendiary strategy.
    “The Governor did not stop there. He went up on different TV houses and newspapers on the issue as one heralding news – still giving a one-sided version and intermittently spicing it with the word ‘reprisal’ at a time when he ought to have been putting finishing touches to his candidacy for elections that would have held in hours. It is not hard to see what such theatric was intended to achieve.

    “This completely lends credence to everyone’s belief that the governor is seriously working toward instigating a crisis in our land and Kaduna state for his own deadly benefit. But we in Adara land have resolutely decided that no amount of blatant provocation would make us to lose our calm. Our peaceful disposition is legendary and we will continue with that.
    “Faced with mounting pressure to prove his allegations of ‘66 killed’, the governor hurriedly visited some few places but ensures that the District head of Kufana, Mr Dauda Titus and the National President of the Adara Development Association, Mr Dio Maisamari were quickly arrested and locked up for the duration that he visited.  The reasons are just too obvious! The District Head was released only when the governor had concluded his visit while Mr Dio is still being held by the Police.

    “We invite the world’s attention to the serious and indiscriminate arrest of our people and chiefs. Many of them have been arrested for just no reason and without due process. We call for their immediate release and demand that Governor Nasir El-Rufai desists from making life difficult for our people with his arbitrary, divisive and incendiary use of power.

    “We want to place on record before the whole world that El- rufai is working assiduously to instigate a crisis in Kaduna for his own political gain, and that should crisis break out, local and international observers should know who to hold responsible.” Adara people said.

    However, El-Rufai who was accompanied to the scene of the attack by Major-General Faruk Yahaya, GOC 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Air Cmdr. I. Sani of the Nigerian Air Force, Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdurrahman and State Director of the SSS, A.I. Koya. The chairman of Kajuru local government council, Cafra Caino, also joined the governor on the visit, condemned the killings.

    According to his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, the governor noted that there has been concerted and coordinated efforts by whom he described as ‘bigoted busy bodies’ to deny or minimise the casualty figures.

    Quoting the governor, Aruwan said, “Only irresponsible and insensitive people can recklessly dismiss the deaths of members of a community with whom they have no contact. Private individuals and unelected actors cannot be allowed to reduce weighty matters of state security to the province of their limited networks, inexperienced lenses and narrow agendas.”

    “Governor El-Rufai during the visit warned the community against reprisals and to shun violence.

    “Also, the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that some arrests had been made in connection with the incident and that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

    “Also “Gen. Yahaya briefed the governor on the recovery of 66 corpses by soldiers in the Maro and Iri axis of Kajuru local government. The general conducted the governor around the scenes of the crime which were littered with the burnt wrecks of buildings and dead animals.” Aruwan said.

    Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Council of Imams and Ulamas ‎on Sunday call on Kaduna State Government to immediately apprehend and prosecute the masterminds of the Killings of 66 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

    ACF in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu said, perpetrators of the dastardly acts must be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

    According to him, “Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is deeply pained by the recent unwarranted killings of innocent lives and destruction of property of some Fulani settlements in Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on the eve of the postponed elections by some armed bandits. The heinous acts by the gun men or bandits were callous and inhuman, considering the number of casualties. Killings of innocent people for whatever reasons cannot in any way address the perceived concerns or grievances of the perpetrators of these crimes.

    “ACF would not be tired of appealing to all aggrieved persons to always channel their grievances through due process of law rather than taking the law into their hands. This is because both the attacks and reprisals are often targeted at innocent people who know nothing about the feuds.

    “ACF condemns such spate of killings of innocent people by armed bandits and gunmen not only in Kaduna State but also in some other parts of the country. The forum therefore calls on the Security Agencies to always be proactive in their operations in order to avert such incidence.

    “Perpetrators of this dastardly acts must be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others. The the issue of intelligence gathering and sharing should be a continuous and sustained effort by both the communities and the security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence within the communities. This is because peaceful coexistence is sine qua non to meaningful socioeconomic development.

    The religious leaders also urged the state governor Nasir El-Rufai to ensure that  the foot soldiers that participated in the killings face the wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others.” ACF said.

    Similarly, the State Chairman of Council of Imams, Ibrahim Nakaka who addressed newsmen in ‎Kaduna on Sunday said, it is the responsibility of the state government to protect the lives of Muslims and other indigienes  as enshrined by the constitution of the country.

    The council lamented how attacks on Muslims communities in Southern Kaduna become a routine duties.