Kaduna state in Nigeria continues to grapple with violence as a new report details a surge in attacks on communities. The report, titled “Violence Persists in Kaduna State: A Cause for Alarm,” by the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), reveals a grim reality for residents.
The KSPC report, released on May 10th, 2024, documents attacks across various locations within Kaduna. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 29 villages were reportedly raided by armed assailants. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 41 people and the kidnapping of 222 others. The most affected areas, according to the KSPC, were in the Chikun, Giwa, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, and Igabi local government areas. These regions have been particularly vulnerable to banditry and militia violence for several years.
The causes of the violence remain complex. The KSPC report points to a confluence of factors, including competition over resources, ethnic tensions, and the activities of criminal gangs. The easy availability of weapons and the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders further exacerbate the situation.
The KSPC has called for urgent action from the federal and state governments. Their recommendations include increased security presence in vulnerable areas, improved intelligence gathering, and investment in social development programs that address poverty and marginalization. The report also emphasizes the need for dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation among communities.
This recent surge in violence underscores the ongoing security challenges in Kaduna state. Unless decisive measures are taken, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for residents.
Source:
Punch newspaper https://punchng.com/tags/kaduna-state/
