By our reporter
Participants at a one-day engagement in Kafanchan between Fanstwam and Fulani tribes in Zikpak Chiefdom, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State have resolved to explore ways towards restoring and building confidence between and amongst them.
The engagement which was at the instance of the Kaduna State Peace Commission, drew representatives of the traditional, youth and women groups from the two divides.
Addressing the participants on Wednesday, the two Permanent Commissioners, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Mrs. Rebecca Sako John and Hajiya Khadijah Hawaja Gambo, said the concern of the commission has always been to bring aggrieved parties to a round table, so as to broker peace and strengthen peaceful coexistence in crisis ridden communities within the state without taking sides.
They commended the participants for trusting the commission to mediate in resolving their problems and urged them to be sincere in their submissions.
The Permanent Commissioners added that the commission intends to organize a meeting to bring both the Fulani and Locals together so as to discuss how to resolve their problems, with a view to rebuild trust and confidence amongst them.
In his contribution, the Director Training of Interfaith Mediation Centre and a member of the Nigerian Network of Facilitators, Mr. Bitrus DanGiwa, who accompanied the Commission for the meeting, emphasized the need for both parties to embrace peaceful coexistence so as to move the area forward.
He expressed dismay how the long peaceful coexistence between Locals and Fulani has eroded, which he noted must be corrected in the interest of the younger generation.
Earlier while setting the tone for discussions at the meeting, the program officer in charge of Partnership and Coordination, Mr. Victor Abarshi, said the purpose of the meeting was for the participants to suggest the way forward in the series of engagements the Commission intends to have between the communities in other to avoid a repeat or reoccurrence of attacks.
