No fewer than eight districts in Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, on Thursday signed peace deals to end hostilities and ensure permanent peace in their locality.
The agreement followed months of interaction and negotiation spearheaded by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, an NGO.
The districts include Dangoma, Goska, Ambam, Bakin Kogi, Unguwar Fari, Unguwar Baki and Gerti.
After deliberations, the eight districts unanimously agreed to forgive each other and directed all farmers and herdsmen to go about their normal activities.
The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Mr John Oko said the organization was happy with the outcome.
He said GPF initiated the peace deal, which spanned several months and meetings with key stakeholders within and outside the area.
“We also met separately with key stakeholders such as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
“District Heads of Fulani Communities, the Paramount ruler and the eight District Heads of Kaninkon chiefdom, Youths of both Fulani and Natives of the chiefdom, as well as women,” Oko said.
Rev. Joseph Hayab and Sheikh Haliru Maraya, Northern Coordinators of GPF Nigeria, spoke on the binding values between Christianity and Islam, stressing that forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence were key to human survival.
The two officials advised the communities to be open and frank so as to reach a position of common agreement. NAN
