Herdsmen’s killings, attacks on 245 communities: Southern Kaduna People seeks UN and AU interventions

Following ceaseless attacks and large-scale destruction of about 245 communities and massacre of hundreds of people by herdsmen, the people of Southern Kaduna have petitioned the United Nations (UN) and the Africa Union (AU) to intervene and protect lives and properties in the beleaguered area of the state.

The area, dominated by Christians, has been under the siege and violent attacks in the last six years.

The people, under the umbrella of Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), said no fewer than 245 communities have been sacked by armed herdsmen in collaboration with terrorists.

SOKAPU is, therefore, appealing to both UN and AU to come to their aid by urgently sending troops to the area on peacekeeping operations.

It said the people of Southern Kaduna have lost faith in the capacity and sincerity of the Nigerian security authorities to protect them against bandits and armed herdsmen.

The President of Southern Kaduna People’s Union, Mr Awemi Maisamari, told a news conference in Kaduna on Friday, that no fewer than 63 communities in Atyap land in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area alone have been attacked by herdsmen and bandits, leaving hundreds of people dead.

Thousands of people have also been displaced from their homes in the last six years, he said.

Maisamari expressed the hope deployment of UN and AU peacekeepers to Southern Kaduna will practically demonstrate that the world is interested in their collective survival as minority ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Maisamari also accused state and federal governments of not demonstrating enough commitment, sincerity and determination to end the horrendous attacks and insecurity in Southern Kaduna by failing to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.