By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, has called on youths in the Kudenden community to embrace unity, abide by the law, and reject negative influences.
Speaking through his deputy, Comrade Haruna Solomon, during an interview shortly after Kudenden’s monthly general meeting held on Sunday, 10th May 2026, at Kudenden Secondary School, Engr. Tabara reminded the gathering that SOKAPU is the primary socio-cultural umbrella organisation representing over 65 indigenous ethnic groups in Southern Kaduna. He stressed that greater cooperation is needed, particularly among youths in rural communities, to secure community interests, enhance security, and drive development.
With political tensions rising ahead of 2026, the President warned that elites often exploit young people for selfish ends. “I know what is happening. Right now, there is political tension. The elite use our youths for various things—giving them what they would never give their own children. This distorts their thinking and leads them into wrongdoing,” he said.
“We are peacemakers. We encourage them not to involve themselves in anything outside the Nigerian Constitution. We are law-abiding citizens,” Engr. Tabara added, urging youths across Kaduna State to avoid any act that could tarnish SOKAPU’s image as a peace-loving organisation.
In a separate interview, the Sarkin Samari of Kudenden, Pastor Wilson Ayuba Shetima Gbaji, explained the gathering’s purpose: “We come from various ethnicities and cultures, but our aim is to work as a family. As elders, we must encourage our youths to support us and desist from evil or impure acts. We want to live in peace and unity.”
He urged young people not to remain silent about their difficulties but to voice them so that solutions can be found. He added that the community actively seeks job opportunities for its youth and promotes mutual assistance.
Meanwhile, the Kudenden SOKAPU branch Chairman, Comrade Jeremy Job, expressed concern that politicians have abandoned the community’s youths except during elections. “No politician has remembered Kudenden—not even to provide basic community services. Only we do it ourselves,” he said.
Jeremy disclosed that every third Saturday of the month, members and executives gather for community service, including clearing roads and providing basic assistance. “If we do not do it, no one will,” he stated.
He concluded with a firm warning to politicians: “Kudenden youths will no longer be misled. We have taken charge of all seven polling units in Kudenden Ward. Our PVC is our weapon. It will speak for us. Whoever remembers us will be remembered.”
