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The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United-Associations (SOKAPU) Tuesday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, to prioritise the security of rural communities and the resettlement of displaced persons ahead of their scheduled visit to Kaduna state on October 24, 2026.
The group also demanded increased military patrols around farming communities, justice for victims of attacks, and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for destabilising the state.
In a press statement issued recently and signed by its national president, Comrade Tabara Samuel Kato, SOKAPU welcomed the planned visit of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for the flag-off of national and state initiatives.
The association, which describes itself as the umbrella body representing Southern Kaduna’s ethnic nationalities, said it appreciated efforts by the federal and state governments to address longstanding development challenges in the region.
SOKAPU specifically acknowledged the establishment and expansion of key institutions, including military installations, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan.
It also commended the Kaduna state government’s rural road construction projects, saying they were helping to open up agricultural markets across Southern Kaduna.
The association further recognised what it described as efforts to maintain religious and regional balance in political leadership and appointments at both the federal and state levels.
Despite these developments, SOKAPU warned that peace in rural Southern Kaduna remained fragile, with some residents still in captivity and attacks continuing in parts of the region.
The association acknowledged improved coordination among security agencies, particularly in connection with rescue operations involving abducted residents of Kurmin Wali.
However, it urged the federal and state governments not to allow development projects and political activities to overshadow the urgent security needs of affected communities.
Ahead of the October 24 visit, the association outlined three major demands: the comprehensive resettlement of displaced persons, the protection of farming communities and justice for victims of violence.
SOKAPU called on the federal and Kaduna state governments to expedite the implementation of the resettlement committee’s mandate to enable displaced Southern Kaduna residents to return safely to their ancestral communities.
With the harvest season underway, SOKAPU urged security agencies to intensify military and counter-terrorism patrols around farming communities and agricultural corridors.
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