By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Southern Kaduna have raised the alarm over renewed threats by terrorists, militias and bandits to attack communities in Kachia, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
The warning was issued by the Southern Kaduna Autochthonous Community Development Associations Forum, which said security alerts circulating in recent days indicated possible attacks in the affected areas.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Samuel Achie on Wednesday, the group expressed concern that similar threats in the past had often been followed by deadly attacks across the region.
“Over the last four days, the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations Forum has become aware of security alerts circulating in the media on threats by terrorists, militias and bandit gangs to attack communities in Kachia, Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas,” the statement read.
“These threats have occurred many times over the last ten years and have almost always been followed by devastating attacks on communities in Southern Kaduna.”
The forum noted that hundreds of residents had been abducted in the affected areas in the last three months, stressing that urgent action was needed to prevent further loss of lives and property.
While acknowledging efforts by the government to address insecurity, the group called on federal, state and local authorities, as well as security agencies, to intensify measures to protect vulnerable communities.
It urged the Kaduna State Government to fulfil earlier promises of providing infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities and security posts in affected communities, noting that such development would improve access for security operatives.
The forum also called on political office holders from Southern Kaduna to collaborate with community leaders in developing a comprehensive strategy to restore peace in the region.
It further urged neighbouring local government areas to work together to eliminate safe havens for criminal elements, adding that individuals found collaborating with terrorists should be treated as criminals.
The group rejected claims that local residents were responsible for the attacks, warning that such narratives should not be used as an excuse for security agencies to shirk their responsibilities.
On the forthcoming elections, the forum alleged that the attacks and displacement of residents could affect voter turnout in the region, as witnessed in previous elections.
“It is clear that the intensification of attacks
on Southern Kaduna communities is to prevent our people from coming out to vote,” the statement added.
The forum disclosed that it had begun sensitisation campaigns to encourage residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also called for stronger collaboration between government and community groups, stressing that security agencies alone could not address the challenges without local support.
“Community associations are willing to partner with government at all levels to ensure peaceful coexistence. This partnership is critical, as the absence of synergy has allowed criminal elements to exploit and attack innocent communities,” the statement added.
The forum further urged the government to address developmental challenges in Southern Kaduna, particularly youth unemployment, which it said could help in achieving lasting peace in the region.
