Atiku, SOKAPU condemn Southern Kaduna killings, demand urgent security action

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) have condemned the killing of at least 30 people in Narido community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling for urgent action to halt the recurring attacks in the region.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly saw armed men invade the village at about 1 a.m., opening fire on residents and killing dozens, including women and children.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku described the killings as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” saying the continued loss of innocent lives underscored the government’s inability to adequately protect citizens.

“No government can claim meaningful progress while citizens continue to be slaughtered in their homes and communities,” the former vice-president said.

He also criticised what he described as the preoccupation of senior government officials with an unverified claim of a letter of commendation from the United States, insisting that the priority should be protecting lives and preventing further bloodshed.

Atiku called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture and stronger measures to safeguard communities repeatedly targeted by armed attackers.

In a separate statement contained in an open letter dated July 27 and addressed to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, SOKAPU President, Tabara Samuel Kato, urged security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to stop the escalating killings, kidnappings and destruction of farmlands across Southern Kaduna.

The union said the latest attack on Narido came despite repeated assurances by security agencies, adding that residents of Kajuru, Chikun, Kauru and Zangon Kataf local government areas continued to live in fear.