Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
KADUNA, Nigeria — A key leadership organ of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has issued a forceful appeal for unity, transparency, and accountable governance in Southern Kaduna while formally distancing itself from a recently emerged rival community group it calls illegitimate. The resolution, adopted at a high-level meeting in Kaduna on March 31, 2026, highlights deepening civic engagement and ongoing tensions within grassroots organisations representing the diverse communities of the region.
At the heart of the communiqué, signed by Mannaseh M. Tukson, Chairman of the SOKAPU Community Development Associations (CDA) Standing Committee, was a reiteration of the union’s foundational principles: peaceful coexistence, mutual respect across ethnic and religious lines, and community-driven development rooted in accountability and inclusivity. The committee’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to these values, describing unity as indispensable for sustainable progress and stability in Southern Kaduna’s 12 local government areas.
In a strongly worded section of the communiqué, the CDA Standing Committee disowned a faction calling itself the “CDA Forum,” which has been organising activities and public engagements that it claims mirror the work of community development associations. The SOKAPU leadership declared the group illegal and not recognised under the union’s constitution, asserting that its activities, including a recent press conference, did not reflect the collective will of the people but were instead driven by personal interests and misrepresentation.
“This forum and its self-styled leadership structures have no constitutional standing within SOKAPU or among the recognised CDAs,” the committee stated, underscoring that only the CDA Standing Committee is authorised to oversee community development associations and represent their interests within and beyond Southern Kaduna.
Beyond internal governance issues, the March 31 communique raised pressing humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding funds intended to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by insecurity in the region. The committee questioned the whereabouts and management of an alleged ₦15 million reportedly designated for IDPs, noting the absence of any verifiable records or transparent disbursement channels. The call for full disclosure and accountability in handling humanitarian resources reflects broader civic demands for improved oversight and integrity in community support mechanisms.
The statement further called on elected representatives from Southern Kaduna to intensify efforts toward equitable development across all constituent communities, urging that campaign promises on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, water supply, security, and employment be translated into meaningful action. Residents were encouraged to hold their leaders accountable and demand tangible improvements in public services that directly affect their daily lives.
Reaffirming loyalty to the leadership of SOKAPU, the committee expressed strong support for National President Samuel Tabara Kato and urged citizens to continue backing his administration in pursuing the union’s broader objectives. This endorsement signals a unified front among recognised leadership structures even as disagreements with splinter groups underscore ongoing organisational strains.
The communiqué concluded with a broad appeal to a range of stakeholders, including government authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens, to place peace and security at the forefront of collective efforts. It also advocated for community policing strategies as an essential approach to safeguarding lives and property, complementing formal security mechanisms and empowering local actors to participate in protecting their communities.
Southern Kaduna has for over a decade grappled with insecurity, characterised by recurrent attacks by armed groups, inter-communal tensions, and widespread displacement of residents. The region’s civil society organisations, including SOKAPU, have been vocal in documenting these challenges and advocating for justice, security reforms, and humanitarian support. Historical reporting indicates that large numbers of communities have been affected by conflict and displacement, with many families seeking refuge in camps and host communities without adequate support.
SOKAPU’s role as a socio-cultural umbrella organisation for the approximately 67 ethnic groups in Southern Kaduna has often placed it at the centre of both advocacy and controversy. The union has repeatedly called attention to perceived government inaction or bias in addressing insecurity and has been critical of past administrations for what it described as neglect of the humanitarian crisis in the area. The community’s concerns have included allegations of marginalisation, demands for enhanced security responses, and appeals for fair representation in political and administrative structures.
The emergence of the “CDA Forum” that the SOKAPU CDA Standing Committee disowned reflects broader trends in civil society where competing leadership claims can emerge in contexts of social strain and unmet needs. Such internal disagreements underline the challenges of maintaining organisational cohesion in regions where grassroots engagement is often intertwined with deep-seated socio-political issues.
The call for transparency over funds meant for IDPs highlights continuing anxieties about how resources are managed in a context where large numbers of persons remain displaced and in need of support. IDPs in Southern Kaduna have historically faced harsh living conditions, with limited access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education, prompting advocacy for greater humanitarian intervention and government accountability.
In urging elected officials to accelerate development and service delivery, the SOKAPU CDA Standing Committee’s statement also resonates with wider civic expectations across Nigeria for effective governance and responsive public institutions. As citizens increasingly demand accountability and equitable distribution of resources, local civil society voices are asserting themselves in shaping public discourse on development priorities.
The reaffirmation of support for SOKAPU’s current leadership under Samuel Tabara Kato suggests that, despite internal factionalism, recognised structures within the union remain committed to presenting a united front on core issues affecting Southern Kaduna. At the same time, the distancing from unauthorised groups signals a firm stance against fragmentation that could weaken community advocacy and undermine public trust.
As Southern Kaduna continues to navigate the intersecting challenges of security, governance, and community representation, the March 31 communiqué from the SOKAPU CDA Standing Committee underscores the enduring importance of unity, transparency, and grassroots mobilisation in shaping a more secure and prosperous future for the region’s diverse communities.
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