By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.

“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.

He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.

“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.

The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.

“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.

“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”

“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.

“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.

A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.

The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.

“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.

The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.

Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.

The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.

A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.

The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.

The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.

Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).

The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.

“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.

In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.

The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.

Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.

“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.

“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”

Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.

The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.

As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The Caleb Danladi Foundation has called on the Ham people to embrace unity, cultural pride, and community-driven development as they mark this year’s Easter and Tuk-Ham Day celebration on Saturday.

In an Easter goodwill message signed by the Founder, Capt. Caleb Danladi, the Foundation emphasized the significance of the season as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness.

“As we gather in this sacred season of Easter, the Caleb Danladi Foundation extends warm wishes of peace, love, and renewal to all our friends, partners, and the entire Ham community,” the statement read.

Caleb emphasized that the Tuk-Ham Day celebration, offers a unique opportunity for the people of Hamland to reflect on their shared history, cultural values, and aspirations.

“Tuk-Ham Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of who we are—a resilient, proud, and culturally rich people.

“As we mark Easter and this special day, we must recommit ourselves to preserving our heritage and empowering the next generation,” he said.

He added that the Foundation remains committed to supporting youth empowerment initiatives and cultural preservation efforts across Southern Kaduna.

“Our youth are the heartbeat of our future. We must invest in their education, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity. That is why the Caleb Danladi Foundation is supporting platforms that raise leaders, thinkers, and doers from our communities,” he stated.

Several dignitaries, traditional rulers, and members of the Ham diaspora are expected to be present at the event, to featured cultural displays, musical performances, and community development dialogues.

Tuk-Ham Day is an annual celebration observed by the Ham people of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State. It is a cultural renaissance that brings together sons and daughters from across the globe to celebrate their identity and build a stronger community.