The Southern Kaduna Peoples' Union (SOKAPU) has confirmed that more than 30 individuals, including women and children, were killed in an early Monday attack by suspected terrorists on Kamaru village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack has sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent security interventions in the region.
Details of the Attack
In an open letter dated July 27 addressed to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, SOKAPU President Tabara Kato expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in rural and farming communities across the state. He noted that the tragedy occurred despite repeated assurances from authorities and ongoing stakeholder engagements.
According to Mr Kato, residents of Kajuru, Chikun, Kauru, and Zangon Kataf LGAs continue to live in constant fear, with many families displaced from their ancestral homes as armed criminal groups operate with increasing audacity. The attack on Kamaru village is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the area.
SOKAPU's Demands and Concerns
Mr Kato urged the police to take immediate, decisive steps to halt the escalating killings, abductions, and widespread destruction of farmlands. He called for a shift from reactive security responses to proactive, intelligence-driven policing. The union specifically requested the deployment of mobile police and counter-terrorism units to vulnerable rural communities and forest areas for sustained operations aimed at locating and dismantling criminal hideouts.
SOKAPU also demanded improved response times to distress calls and better strategic communication to restore public trust, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government. The letter was copied to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, urging all security stakeholders to treat the appeal with extreme urgency to prevent further loss of lives and human displacement.
Government Reaction and Condemnation
The Kaduna State Government has condemned the attack, which resulted in multiple deaths and widespread destruction of property. Ahmed Maiyaki, spokesperson for the government, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and confirming that security forces have been instructed to immediately track down and arrest the perpetrators. The statement read, “The Kaduna State Government has received with deep sorrow reports of the killing of persons following an attack on Naridon Village. The Government strongly condemns the attack and has directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Governor Uba Sani sent condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the repose of the deceased and the swift recovery of those injured during the assault. To cushion the impact, the governor directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to immediately mobilize and deploy relief materials and humanitarian support to the victims' families.
Broader Security Measures
Addressing recurring security challenges along state boundaries, Mr Maiyaki said the government reaffirmed its resolve to collaborate with neighboring Plateau State, security outfits, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to fortify inter-state security cooperation and restore permanent peace to border areas. The statement urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, support security agencies with credible information, reject violence, and embrace dialogue.
The Kaduna State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding every community and sustaining peace, security, and social harmony across the state. The attack on Kamaru village underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive security overhaul in the region, as communities continue to bear the brunt of escalating violence.
