“Targeted Attacks in Southern Kaduna: Union Leader Narrowly Escapes Assassination”

A wave of targeted assassinations and kidnappings has been reported in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria, with a prominent medical union leader barely escaping death. The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has confirmed the incident, which is part of a larger pattern of violence in the region.

Southern Kaduna, a buffer zone between Nigeria’s majority Muslim northwest and Christian-dominated Middle Belt, has seen a surge in attacks on prominent individuals. The Southern Kaduna People Union (SOKAPU) has raised the alarm, citing cases of kidnapping and murder.

According to SOKAPU’s Public Relations Officer, Josiah Yusuf Abraks, several high-profile individuals have been targeted, including the District Head of Garu community, Alhaji Babangida Adamu Suleiman, who was kidnapped by suspected armed herdsmen. Pastor Peter Shabanyan was also assassinated in his home, and Dr. Ishaya James was killed, with eight others kidnapped in Kauru LGA.

Caleb Musa Kantiyok Dogo, Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) Kaduna State branch, narrowly escaped assassination on Wednesday. He recounted the incident, stating that four gunmen arrived at his home, pretending to have an appointment with him, but their suspicious behavior and weapons revealed their true intentions.

Dogo, who is also the immediate past National Deputy Chairman of Bajju Development Association (BADA), has had concerns for his safety since his uncle’s murder in 2015. He reported the incident to the police and notified SOKAPU and the Middle Belt Forum.

The Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Luka Binniyat, expressed concern over the targeted attacks, stating that it appears Fulani herdsmen are intentionally targeting important community members for elimination or kidnapping. He called on community members to secure their communities, as the government seems incapable of doing so.