The Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association (SOKAPU) has appealed to the Kaduna police command to take urgent and proactive measures to halt the rising cases of killings, abductions and attacks on communities in the area.

The association made the appeal in an open letter addressed to Governor Uba Sani and the commissioner of police on Monday, following an attack on the Narido community in the Kauru Local Government Area.

The letter, signed by SOKAPU national president, Tabara Kato, stated that about 30 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in the attack, while several others sustained injuries.

SOKAPU expressed concern that communities in Kauru, Kajuru, Chikun and Zangon Kataf local government areas continued to experience violent attacks despite ongoing security engagements and assurances from security agencies.

It said the persistent violence had displaced many residents from their ancestral homes, destroyed farmlands and exposed farming communities to constant fear of attacks.

The association urged the police command to shift from what it described as reactive responses to proactive security operations aimed at preventing further attacks.

It called for the immediate deployment of tactical police and counter-terrorism units to vulnerable communities and forest corridors considered prone to criminal activities.

SOKAPU also appealed for regular security patrols in farming communities to enable residents to cultivate and harvest their crops without fear of attacks or abduction.

The association further urged the police to strengthen intelligence-driven operations to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts while ensuring swift responses to distress calls from affected communities.

According to the association, restoring public confidence through effective communication and prompt security interventions is essential to addressing the security challenges confronting the area.

The group noted that protecting lives and property remained the constitutional responsibility of the government and expressed confidence that the police command would act decisively to prevent further loss of lives.

Southern Kaduna has witnessed recurring incidents of armed attacks, kidnappings and communal violence over the years, with rural communities in Kauru, Kajuru, Chikun and Zangon Kataf among the worst affected.

The attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents and disruption of farming activities, raising concerns among stakeholders over food security and livelihoods in the area.

The Kaduna State government and security agencies have in recent months intensified security consultations, deployed personnel to flashpoints and engaged community leaders in efforts to stem the violence.

However, residents and community groups have continued to call for stronger security presence and intelligence-led operations to address the persistent attacks.

(NAN)