In a powerful show of unity and shared purpose, traditional rulers and religious leaders from both Christian and Islamic faiths have come together in Southern Kaduna to champion peace, reconciliation, and communal harmony in a region long plagued by ethno-religious violence.
The unprecedented gathering, which took place in Kafanchan, brought together emirs, chiefs, pastors, and imams from across the region in a joint effort to end the cycles of conflict that have taken countless lives and displaced thousands. The initiative, backed by local government authorities and supported by non-governmental organizations, focused on dialogue, forgiveness, and the urgent need to rebuild trust among the diverse communities of Southern Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet, emphasized the importance of traditional and faith-based institutions in promoting peace and healing. “Our people listen to their religious leaders and traditional rulers. It is our responsibility to lead them away from hate and toward coexistence,” he said.
Islamic scholars present echoed the same sentiment, calling for an end to retaliatory attacks and highlighting the shared values of peace and compassion within Islam. Sheikh Halliru Maraya, a respected Islamic cleric in the region, urged the youth to reject violence and embrace unity. “Killing our neighbours does not bring justice—it only brings more sorrow. Let us break the cycle,” he declared.
Christian leaders also played a key role in the peace dialogue. Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam, a prominent voice for interfaith collaboration in Nigeria, stressed that genuine peace must be rooted in forgiveness, justice, and accountability. “Peace is not just the absence of violence—it is the presence of fairness, respect, and shared humanity,” he said.
Southern Kaduna has long been a flashpoint for violent clashes fueled by ethnic, religious, and land disputes. The region, which is home to a mix of Christian and Muslim populations, has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years, often resulting in tragic loss of life and deepening divisions.
The new peace initiative is part of a broader strategy to prevent further bloodshed through grassroots engagement, community dialogue, and the establishment of local peace committees. Participants agreed to continue interfaith consultations, community policing partnerships, and youth mentorship programs to counter hate speech and radicalization.
Observers praised the move as a significant step toward lasting peace, noting that meaningful progress can only be achieved when local leaders take ownership of reconciliation efforts. Civil society groups and international partners are expected to support follow-up actions and peacebuilding programs in the coming months.
As Southern Kaduna continues to recover from its troubled past, the unified message from its spiritual and traditional leaders offers a much-needed beacon of hope—a reminder that peace is possible when communities come together with courage, faith, and determination.
Source : Swifteradio.com
