Former Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) President Dr. Jonathan Asake has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, saying kidnapping and terrorist attacks continue to affect communities across the country.
In an interview published by The Sun Nigeria on July 18, 2026, Asake said the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State received widespread media attention and prompted swift action from security agencies because of sustained public advocacy.
“We’re only lucky that this thing happened in Oyo State, a place that is more enlightened, and there are activists who made the whole world knew about it, and something was done. But this one that we’re talking about is just one case,” he said.
Asake argued that many communities in Kaduna and other northern states have suffered similar attacks without comparable national attention. He cited the April 20 abduction of 11 villagers in Awon community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦300 million ransom and 25 motorcycles. He also referenced Ariko village, where abductors allegedly demanded ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles.
He added that similar incidents have occurred in Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Borno states, warning that insecurity should not be treated as a regional issue and urging equal protection for all Nigerian communities.
