Southern Kaduna communities hold peace dialogue

The Atyap, Hausa and Fulani communities in Atyap Chiefdom of Southern Kaduna have engaged in dialogue to find ways to achieve durable peace in the area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atyap Chiefdom is the worst hit by the recurring Southern Kaduna crisis that has led to loss of many lives and property over the years. The peace dialogue, an individual initiative facilitated by Mr Victor Abarshi and his team, took place separately in Zonzon, Agwan Gaiya, Gora and Zango Urban districts of the Chiefdom in Zango Kataf Local Government Area. Speaking at the dialogue sessions implemented in four districts, Abarshi said it was a follow up to an initial dialogue between the three communities. “In 2021, we initiated dialogue with and between these communities. “Eight systematic dialogue sessions were held with youth, women leaders and other stakeholders. “This culminated in a youth commitment to peace accord which was signed on the 6th of June 2022. “The Agwatyap, Sir Dominic Yahaya, with the unanimous support of stakeholders, agreed that the dialogue sessions be implemented in the Chiefdom’s five districts. “This is to consolidate on the gains and successes achieved, including the significant de-escalation of violence,” he added According to him, the quest for peace is a continuous process and not a one-off event. He noted that from previous engagements, it is clear that all parties want peace and are ready to work for it. Various speakers, including Mr Luke Adankat, the District Head of Angwan Gaiya, Mal. Magaji Baban, Hausa Leader of Zango and Ardo Abubakar, the Fulani Leader of Gora District, restated the need for peaceful co-existence. They highlighted some of the issues that still pose a threat to peace to include deliberate destruction of crops at farms, poisoning or killing of cows. Others, they said, are stealing of yams from farms, displacement of people from their communities and mutual suspicion. On the way forward to achieve lasting peace in the chiefdom, the stakeholders called on people to always tell the truth and forgiveness on all sides. Other steps they agreed to take were joint efforts in protecting farms, cattle and peaceful resolution of issues through available lawful means. There was also the call for Fulanis that left the Chiefdom to return to their communities. A joint dialogue with delegates from all the districts of the Chiefdom as the next engagement was also agreed. The Abarshi-led peace dialogue in the chiefdom is supported by Ladies Empowerment Goals And Support Initiative (LEGASI) and her partner organisation, Peace Direct (PD).