Southern Kaduna Conflicts Driven by Politics, Not Religion — Muslim Coalition

The Coalition of Muslim Ummah of Southern Kaduna has cautioned against labeling the recurring crises in the region as religious, insisting that the conflicts are political in nature.

At a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the coalition dismissed narratives that portray Southern Kaduna as an exclusively Christian enclave, stressing that Muslims have long been integral to the area’s history, economy, and politics.

A joint statement signed by Alhaji Bala Adamu, Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Muslim Development Association (SOKAMUDA), and Dr. Mohammed Kabir, President of the Muslim Youth Foundation of Southern Kaduna (MYFOSKA), read:

“Anyone attempting to divide Kaduna along religious lines is engaging in dangerous misrepresentation. It is not acceptable.”

The coalition maintained that Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully in Southern Kaduna for centuries before violence emerged, often tied to political differences rather than religion.

It urged the media to ensure balance in reporting, verify facts before publishing, and promote narratives that unite rather than divide. According to the group, lasting peace will only come when Christians and Muslims work together as brothers and sisters.

The coalition also praised Governor Uba Sani for adopting an inclusive style of governance, which it credited for the relative peace currently being experienced in the state.