The Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA) has raised an alarm over the continuous attacks on the community by terrorists, which has resulted in the killing of over 500 people, displacement of thousands and destruction of over 20 villages since 2017. ACDA President, Samuel Achi, disclosed this at a world press conference, stating that criminal elements in their midst were responsible for the gruesome killings, and that they should be arrested and punished according to the provisions of the criminal law.
Achi also accused armed militias and locals of collaborating to carry out systematic attacks, killings, and burning of Atyap land in Southern Kaduna, with the aim of taking over their ancestral land. He said that the people within the community were the ones aiding and sheltering the terrorists in Zangon Urban.
The ACDA president called on their people to defend themselves against any unprovoked attacks, saying enough is enough. He also warned that any future attack on their community would attract a total ban on rearing cows in the area.
Achi further alleged that some officers in the military circle operating in their area were selective and taking sides instead of performing their primary assignment of securing lives and properties of the communities. He cited the doctored 2023 first-quarter Security Report presented to the Kaduna State Government by the Sector Commander, Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum on the recent killings in Atyap land as evidence of the conspiracy.
The Executive Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Hon. Francis Sani (Zimbo), called on the Federal Government and the International Community to support the vulnerable communities. He also requested for medical assistance for the displaced persons to help treat their ailments and rebuild their burnt communities.
The continuous attacks on the Atyap community are unacceptable, and urgent action needs to be taken to put an end to this menace. The government should ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted, while measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences. The vulnerable communities also need support to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity