Participants at the Interfaith Mediation Center Monthly Forum with media on Peace Journalism has observed with displeasure the rate at which kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity has increased, saying this has led to migration and upsurge of IDPs from affected communities in the country.
This was disclosed in a communiqué made available to newsmen in Kaduna by the Co-executive Directors of the Center Imam Nurayn Ashafa and Pastor John Wuya, they commended sheikh Gumi’s effort in trying to end kidnapping and banditry in the state.
“We applaud the effort of an Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for taking the bold step to visit herders in their various communities to preach peaceful co-existence and appealed to other stakeholders in the country to emulate his giant stride.
“Traditional rulers should be more involved in peace building, as they have more command on their subjects in their domain”. The communiqué read.
They called on the leaders of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, especially Kaduna state council to support issued that has to do with peace keeping and to also take the lead in promoting peaceful co-existence in the state and the country as a whole.
The participants noted that, lack of job opportunity in the country is not a yard stick for any citizen to indulge in crime activities, pointing out that, instead people should have a mind set on genuine greener pastures so that to be self-reliant.
They also noted, as we mark their World Interfaith Harmony Week which is been celebrated in every first of February.
They appealed to Nigerians to shun any sentiment on government’s appointments, especially on security issues.
While lamented over issuance of quick notice by some individuals and communities in the country, warning that such action and issue can lead to instability in the country.
Zainab Sa’id
