CDS urges Southern Kaduna communities to uphold peace

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on the people of Kagarko and Southern Kaduna to continue working with security agencies to maintain the peaceful coexistence for which the area is known.

Represented by his Personal Adviser, Musa Likita, the CDS made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kagarko, where he urged residents not to allow selfish individuals to create divisions among them and their neighbours.

Musa also listed several ongoing projects in Southern Kaduna, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Defence Farm at Guarara Dam. He said such developments were signs of government support, which should be met with peace and cooperation.

In reaction to recent reports of unrest in the area, Mrs Charity Dangana, a community leader, expressed women’s concerns over incidents of night grazing by herdsmen. She said the women had visited the Traditional Ruler of Koro Chiefdom, Dr Yohannan Akoito, to raise the issue.

According to her, the royal father promised to reach out to the relevant agencies and the Local Government Chairman for prompt action.

However, Mrs Dangana said she was surprised to see reports on social media suggesting that the area was in crisis, a claim she dismissed.

“We are peaceful people, and as the women’s leader, I want to say categorically that Kagarko Local Government Area is not in crisis, and we are dedicated to sustaining our peaceful coexistence,” she said.

A youth leader from the Kabara District, John Musa, also denied that there was any crisis. “We visited the Royal Father to discuss certain unusual developments. Unfortunately, some individuals who do not wish for us to be at peace viewed this as an opportunity to spread false information,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Fulani herdsmen, Ardo Usman Abdullahi apologised for the damage caused to some farmlands by herdsmen grazing at night. He explained that such actions were not common and assured that those involved would be held accountable.

The Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Hon. Muhuyideen A. Umar, said peace and cooperation among farmers, herders, and residents remain strong. He credited this to Governor Uba Sani’s continued investment in dialogue, peacebuilding, and community security structures.

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