The Youth Wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has strongly denounced the arrest of four Kaduna youths in Lagos seeking enlistment in the Nigerian Army.
The National Coordinator, Isaac John, emphasized that the constitution defines Nigerian citizenship, and enlistment criteria are devoid of linguistic or tribal considerations.
The Lagos State Government had called for the arrest and trial of six northern candidates in the Nigerian Army recruitment process who falsely claimed Lagos indigene status.
In a viral video, candidates originally from Kaduna State misrepresented their local government origins to secure recruitment slots designated for Lagos State indigenes.
Expressing concern, SOKAPU stated, “Southern Kaduna Youths have observed a distressing video featuring four youths originally from Kaduna State, currently residing in Lagos.
These individuals, earnestly seeking enlistment in the Nigerian Army, faced unwarranted humiliation, denial, and even arrest during the state screening process.”
Isaac John highlighted that the Kaduna State Government includes Yoruba individuals in its civil service, emphasizing the need for a fair investigation.
SOKAPU urged the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff to promptly look into the matter, advocating for the immediate release of the youths and their just participation in the enlistment exercise.
The group emphasized the importance of upholding the principles that transcend ethnic considerations, stating, “the unity of our nation transcends ethnic considerations.”
Additionally, SOKAPU called upon the Kaduna State Government to establish a committee to thoroughly examine the situation and prevent any future recurrence.
