By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna.
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, GPFN, a Non-Governmental Organization on Tuesday brings to a roundtable Fulani herdsmen and people of Southern Kaduna with a view to build trust for the sustenance peace and unity in the area.
Addressing representatives of Fulani herdsmen and other tribes at the Palace of Etum Numana in Gwantu, Sanga local government, the Northern Co-coordinators of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab and Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya, consoled with the chiefdom and those that lost their loved ones during the unfortunate attacks in the area.
They explained that the purpose of the visit and dialogue was to assist in building bridges of peace and also remind the people that they were members of one family hence the need to live in peace with one another.
They implored the people to always seek for ways of dialogue in resolving issues rather than taking the laws into their hands, the consequences of which would be detrimental to societal growth and development.
Responding, the Etum Numana II, Mallam Gambo Makama, commended the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria for championing the cause of peaceful coexistence through its “One Family Under God” Campaign, noting that peace remains the yardstick for any societal growth and development.
He pointed out that peace was gradually returning to the area and advised the youth in the area to shun all evil acts and be more vigilant, report evil and suspicious people to the law enforcement agents for proper action.
Also commenting when the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria team visited his palace in Godogodo, the Chief of the area, Iliya Ajiya Antang, opined that what has happened in the community was strange and unfortunate, considering the peaceful nature of the area and commended the timely foresight of the Foundation for coming to identify with them and also encourage the people to be their brother’s keepers.
He pledged to support all programs that would further strengthen the existing peace and tranquillity in the area and advised his people to be law abiding and tolerate one another.
Some of the residents who spoke during the visit to the two chiefdoms, Rev. Mathew Zwingina, Mohammed Adam, Catherine Ishaku, Danladi Dogara and Nuhu Shuaibu were all unanimous that the immediate cause of the crisis was rumour mongering and mistrust, and pledged to join hands towards restoring lasting peace in their areas.
While at Sanga local government secretariat, Interim Management Committee Chairman of the local government, Mr Nuhu Audu Ajiyana, said peace remains a necessity and worth embracing by all.
He thanked the Global Peace Foundation for coming to Sanga to contribute in building a lasting peace in the area and pledged his council’s maximum support towards achieving success.
