The Community Development Associations (CDA) Committee of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has called on residents of the area to take responsibility for the protection of their communities amid persistent insecurity in the area.
The committee made the call on Thursday during its meeting held in Kaduna, where it also raised concerns over recurring attacks and kidnappings.
Speaking at the meeting on Thursday, Committee Chairman Mannaseh Tukson urged communities to adopt local security measures, warning that reliance on the government alone is no longer enough.
Tukson said despite government efforts, communities must organise themselves through vigilante groups and other local arrangements to deter criminal elements.
“We should not expect the government all the time to protect us. Every community must rise to defend itself. When criminals know a community is alert, they will stay away,” he said.
The chairman also stressed the need for unity among the people of Southern Kaduna across ethnic and religious lines.
The group further distanced itself from the CDA Forum, declaring that it is not recognised by the SOKAPU constitution, describing it as an illegal body acting against the interests of the people.
The group also called on elected representatives to do more in delivering development to their communities, urging citizens to hold them accountable, while reaffirming support for the leadership of SOKAPU and calling for collective efforts to promote peace and security in the region.
