From Julius B. Kezi, Kafanchan
Various non-government peace mediation organisations have continued to meet in a bid to find lasting solutions to the lingering and escalating crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Ninte Godogodo Chiefdom in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
One of the series of such meetings was the pre-dialogue meeting held on Thursday at the Council Chambers, Jema’a Local Government Kafanchan by representatives of Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), Development and Peace Initiative (DPI) Kaduna, community and Peace Partnership (CPP) Jema’a Local Government Chapter, Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Fantswan Foundation and Inter Faith Mediation Centre (IFMC) with the leadership of the Local Government Interim Management Council religious bodies, Security Agencies and traditional rulers.
The meeting which began at 12:00 noon lasted over four hours behind closed doors.
Briefing the Press soon after the meeting, CPP Jema’a Public Relation officer, Mr. Julius B. Kezi said though the pre-dialogue meeting was not conclusive, due to the absence of representatives of herdsmen, who were in a meeting convened by the national body of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association on the issue, it was fruitful because those in attendance were made to understand the issues, and what should be done to ensure all parties involved in the crisis are brought to the negotiation table at a no distant time.
The CPP PRO quoted the NSRP representatives, Mrs Regina Afiemo and Gad Peter as emphasizing on the need to harmonise the multi-sectorial approach by NGOs, with Government political will to end the crisis, which was spreading.
They believed this renewed approach will yield positive fruits and restore normalcy faster to the area.
The CPP PRO also quoted NSRP consultant on conflict management, Prof. Christ M.A Kwaja, from the University of Jos and a former commissioner for Local Government Plateau State as saying that the dead and the living in every conflict are victims.
NSRP conflict manager said in this respect: “Farmers and herdsmen need to know that the gift of land by God is their unifying factor and they need to value each other, in a symbiotic peaceful relationship”, to be able to enjoy the gifts of nature.
Prof. Kwaja stated that the breakdown of the symbiotic good peaceful relationship not only between farmers and herdsmen, but within members of the community accounted for the neglect of stakeholders of the communities.
In order to restore normalcy, Prof. Kwaja proffered the use of community policing, without militarising the conflict and putting in place a trusted reconciliation committee members who fear God and are ready to stand by the truth.
It will be recalled that since the Ninte crisis began on the May 26, 2016, many lives and property worth millions of naira were destroyed and efforts made to end hostilities were yet to yield positive result.
The Chairman Interim Management Council Jema’a Local Government, Dr. Bege Katukah, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. John Gambo Kanufi commended the contribution of all non-governmental organizations, traditional rulers (particularly district heads) and security agencies who wade into the Ninte Crisis for their gallant efforts in finding lasting solutions.
The IMC Chairman promised to support all meaningful programmes to the peace-building process, adding that “for it is with peace and security that the administration can executive developmental projects”.
He also promised to communicate to all stakeholders, peace mediation and security agencies when the next meeting will hold, after receiving the outcome of the meeting of the National Body of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
Leave a Reply