Members of the Network of Nigerian Facilitators, NNF of the United States Institute of Peace have engaged key stakeholders in Jema’a Local council of Kaduna state on restoring trust within their communities.
Jema’a communities in the southern kaduna axis in the North central Nigeria have been in conflict from farmers – herders clashes to religious violence for some years now.
This engagement therefore is in an effort to boost peaceful coexistence through dialogue in the area.
The peace engagements
One of the key stakeholders visited is the ruler of the Kaninkon Chiefdom, his royal highness, Tum Nikyob, Malam Tanko Tete in bakin kogi, Jema’a area of Kaduna.
The project facilitator, Sekyen Dadik said the visit was aimed at introducing the Network of Nigerian Facilitators and its dialogue project to the traditional ruler, solicit his blessings and support, as well as engage the community members in Goska and Dangoma in peace dialogues.
“The project titled community dialogue for peace and stability amongst Goska and Dangoma communities in Kaninkon chiefdom, seeks to engage key stakeholders through dialogue to restore trust and peaceful coexistence within the communities,” Sekyen said.
She said that, Malam Tete alongside other council members received the team and appreciated them for considering the chiefdom on peace project.
According to her, “Malam Tete assured the team of every cooperation needed from the village heads and the council members, promising that the Chiefdom will put an eye on the project and give their full cooperation in order to achieve the aim of the project”.
Profer Solutions
Another member of the NNF, Reverend Bitrus Dangiwa reiterated that the dialogue process target communities with differences, who are brought to work together to proffer solutions that work for all parties to ensure lasting peace.
Dangiwa disclosed that, Goska and Dangoma communities have experienced major crises after the 2016 christmas eve attack which led to interventions in 2017.
He said, “However, pockets of attacks and counter attacks between herders and farmers persist which threatened the peace being enjoyed by the communities”.
The community based dialogue project will last for a year , under the United States Institute of Peace, Network of Nigerian Facilitators‘ programme.
Confidence /Qasim
