Fawaz Adebisi
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOPAPU) has raised the alarm over the killing of 14 people and the abduction of 31 others by bandits in Southern Kaduna.
The incident happened on October 2, 2023, in Kachuwe village, near Sarkin Pawa in Niger State.
The National Women Coordinator of SOPAPU, Mrs Jemutu Katarma, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, calling on the state and federal governments to intervene and rescue the abductees.
She said the victims were mostly women and children who had relocated from their original homes in Chikun LGA due to insecurity.
According to the statement, the bandits attacked the village where the displaced persons had settled to engage in farming.
They killed 13 male adults and a young girl, and took away 27 women and four boys.
The statement listed the names of those killed and appealed to Governor Uba Sani to show compassion and interest in the plight of the people of Southern Kaduna.
The statement also lamented that out of the 12 LGAs in Southern Kaduna, only three have not suffered violence and crimes from armed groups, especially bandits and armed herdsmen.
It said that thousands of people have been killed, houses burnt and hundreds kidnapped in the region.
The statement further said that hundreds of villages in Southern Kaduna have been sacked and some taken over by bandits, while thousands of people have been rendered homeless.
It said that women and children are the most vulnerable in such situations.
The statement praised Governor Uba Sani for his policies, words and actions that have restored hope, confidence and unity to the state.
It also commended him for working with the Federal Government in solving the security challenges facing the state.
The statement urged the governor to use his good offices to ensure that the kidnapped victims are freed unhurt and that adequate security is provided for the people of Southern Kaduna.