By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), has observed with concerns that at the moment, there is no clear-cut leadership direction for the people of Southern Kaduna in the midst of the insecurity that has bedevilled the area in the past two years.
The meeting observed that at this moment, there is no clear-cut leadership direction for the people in the midst of the insecurity which has bedevilled the area in the past two years.
The meeting comprising about 60 prominent priests in the area, was saddened with the complex security challenges bedeviling the people, on the theme, “A Jerusalem Council”, was convened to further talk about the survival of the Church or gospel of Christ and also to seek ways to leave in peace with non-Christian neighbours.
A communique at the end of the meeting was read by its Chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, condemned in strong terms the persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria and in particular, Southern Kaduna, lamenting the balkanization of chiefdoms by the current state government.
It noted with dismay that traditional rulers are no longer allowed to meet and discuss issues affecting the welfare of their people and dialogue on issues affecting them in the zone.
SKCLA observed that the problems in the land are rooted within the people, as such, the people should work hard to eradicate ignorance amongst them, regretting that Southern Kaduna is under siege by terrorists.
The meeting enjoined Christians Leaders in Southern Kaduna should, henceforth, begin to speak with one voice on issues affecting the area by speaking truth to power.
According to the communique, Southern Kaduna is known for its resilience as a people, as such there is the need to treat the security of lives and property with caution by those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the security of the people.
The meeting resolved to seriously investigate and get to the root cause of the ongoing conflict with a view of bringing forth resolutions that would ensure peaceful coexistence of all in the area.
The SKCLA called on all Fulanis’ who have been living in peace in their previous settlements in Southern Kaduna to return and work with the locals to keep the peace in the land.
The communique stated that Ardos and other tribal leaders should be part of the political arrangement in their various Local Government areas of residence in order to ensure absolute peace and unity of all.
It called the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to come up with a national policy on the representations in Local Governments and Traditional Institutions that will be acceptable by all.
The association called on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to find a lasting solution to the Fulani Youth restlessness, while acknowledging the role the youths are playing in protecting and securing their various communities.
It emphasized the need for the youths to respect and obey the constituted authorities of their communities for the overall harmonious relationship.
The meeting resolved to seek relief from multi-corporate organizations to bring succour to all internally displaced people in Southern Kaduna and re-build their homes without discrimination while calling on communities to selling and only lease out the lands for growth and developmental purposes.
It noted that the meeting was informed necessitated by the incessant killings that have bedevilled the people and indigenous communities in Southern Kaduna, lamenting that every effort made to curtail the menace proved abortive.
It expressed belief that that those expected to be saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of the people will change their approach in the fight against insurgency and other vices.
“It is for this reason that the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association deem it fit to bring together her illustrious sons and daughters in the Christendom with the view to proffering solutions to the wanton destruction of the land and her people,” the communique explained.
