SOKAPU “Should not make assertions it cannot justify” – Katuka

By: Bomba Dauda

In a rejoinder written by Kaura Local Government Council of kaduna state on the press statement issued by SOKAPU on the crisis in the local government, the interim Chairman of the council, Dr. Bege Katuka, said, “As the chief security officer of Kaura Local Government, I wish to make certain clarifications on the current crisis in some communities in response to a most unfortunate statement on the matter by the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).

It is a matter of regret that all SOKAPU seems to contemplate in moments of human suffering is an opportunity to ventilate unhelpful statements, at best, and callous disregard for the victims of violent conflict, at worst.

Quoting from a confidential sent to the Kaura Local Government Council by an official of a traditional council, SOKAPU President Jonathan Asake, claimed that it was going public because the letter asked that Attakar IDPs in Moro’a Chiefdom be urgently resettled in Attakar to avert reprisals against the Moro’a by aggrieved Fulani. It dismissed the fears expressed by the author of the letter.

SOKAPU complained about the arrest of some Attakar and Fulani over the crisis, saying it “is deeply worried by these unfortunate developments, especially during these precarious moments of Coronavirus pandemic where persons all over the world are advised to remain at home and embrace social distancing. We fear greatly for the health of these leaders.”

Adding that, “SOKAPU’s priority in the matter is eloquently stated above. We wish they cared as passionately about the ordinary people whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered in the crisis. They should stop trying to set the Moro’a Development Association and the Moro’a Traditional Council against each other. They should keep quiet rather than make assertions they cannot justify. They must tell us the participants at the purported meeting allegedly held in a District Head’s house in Moro’a Chiefdom and the name of the Fulani Ardo they claimed made threats at the meeting.

“Kaura LGA has a responsibility to secure communities, order the arrest of persons suspected of involvement in the crisis and ensure that proper investigations are conducted for lasting peace. The arrested persons have been moved to Kaduna, and we expect that prosecutions will follow if the investigations indict any of the arrested suspects. (Peter K. Zango, Ayuba Uyit, Adamu Bature, Abin Moses, Salisu Ibrahim MiyyetiAllah, Ibrahim Adamu Fulani Youth Leader, Friday Atang and Musa Aboi).

“Let me in conclusion assure all that Kaura Local Government Council is in constant touch and collaboration with the State Government is exploring every available avenue and possible means to bring peace to this conflict and the entire LG at large, National Boundary Adjustment Commission , NGOs, Plateau Peace building Agency, Riyom Local Government Council, Traditional Council of Ganawuri in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.

“The leadership of Fulani in neighbouring communities of Plateau, Security Agencies from Plateau and numerous bodies have been brought in and are continuously working exploring all avenues all in a bit to find lasting solutions to this lingering problem. If Kaura LGA needs anything now, it is dedicated involvement in the process of finding permanent solution and tranquillity that we earnestly seek from God almighty to crown and bless our efforts and we shall succeed.

“As the chief security officer of the LG for the meantime, I would not condone any act that would further threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people and render useless the sacrifice of selfless individuals who have had sleepless night to let peace have its place.”