Kuturmi Community Stakeholders Hold Security Dialogue With Military, DSS In Kaduna Over Abduction Of Residents
The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), based in Awon Town, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has held high-level security consultations with military and intelligence authorities over recent abductions in the area.
According to a statement from KUDA, the engagement brought together community stakeholders and senior security officials, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division, Kaduna—Nigerian Army—General ASM Wase, alongside other senior officers, as well as representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local communities to improve response to ongoing security challenges in Kachia Local Government Area, particularly following the reported kidnapping of 37 persons from Ariko and nearby communities.
KUDA noted that the dialogue also addressed recent misunderstandings surrounding earlier military statements on rescue operations in Ariko village.
The association explained that confusion arose due to difficulties in distinguishing between residents who had fled into surrounding forests and those who were abducted.
Community leaders emphasized that the clarification helped restore understanding between both parties, while acknowledging that there was no deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Army to misrepresent events.
The GOC reportedly reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against insurgency and banditry, while stressing the importance of sustained cooperation with local communities in achieving lasting peace.
KUDA stakeholders expressed gratitude for the security agencies’ response to threats in the region and made a strong appeal for continued efforts toward rescuing the abducted victims still in captivity.
They also urged authorities to enhance security measures that would allow residents to safely return to their farms and resume agricultural activities without fear.
The association further disclosed that a separate engagement was held with officials of the Kaduna State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), where discussions centered on intelligence sharing and improved coordination in addressing insecurity.
Both meetings ended with a renewed commitment to strengthen communication and collaboration between security agencies and the Kuturmi community in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
The statement reads:
“Yesterday, Friday, the Kuturmi community stakeholders’ forum held a productive meeting with General ASM Wase, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division in Kaduna, and other senior officers to discuss ways to improve collaboration on the army’s ongoing operations in our region.
This meeting provided an important platform for open dialogue, yielding constructive discussions central to the safety and security of our communities in Kachia Local Government.
The meeting also addressed and clarified the communication gap that led to confusion about the army’s recent statement regarding the reported rescues of some victims from Ariko village.
The arrival of the troops enabled some of our people who had fled into the surrounding forests to return; however, there was no clear distinction at first between those who returned and those who had been abducted.
It is important to note that there was no deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Army to deny the unfortunate incident during their interaction.
During the discussion, the GOC reiterated the army’s total commitment to eradicating insurgency and banditry in our lands and beyond, emphasizing the importance of fostering collaboration with community leaders to improve security for everyone.
The Kuturmi stakeholders expressed heartfelt gratitude for the army’s response to security threats in our communities, acknowledging the army’s continuing role in addressing some of our security challenges.
The Kuturmi stakeholders made a passionate appeal for continued efforts to rescue the 37 kidnapped victims from Ariko and other places, currently held captive by bandits.
We also appealed to the military to help create safe environments for our people to farm their lands safely.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to collaborate more closely while keeping channels of communication open toward a safer and more peaceful environment for all.
The stakeholders later also had a productive meeting with the Kaduna State Command of the Department of State Services.’’
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