By Amos Tauna
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, GPFN, in its determination towards ensuring peaceful coexistence in Southern Kaduna, has led to true reconciliation of Fulanis and the natives in Kaninkon Chiefdom, Jema’a local government area of the State.
In a recent reconciliation meeting in Kaninkon Chiefdom, organized by Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, the meeting had in attendance all the ethnic groups in Kanikon Chiefdom in attendance, an effort towards restoring peace following the incessant killings that consumed unimaginable number of lives and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
Report has it that the crises in the chiefdom between Fulani and Kaninkon natives began as a result of dispute over farm land claimed to be Fulanis’ major cattle route that was blocked by farmers.
Both parties became aggressive and consistently harboring hostile against one another to the point farmers could no longer access their farms – persistent killings of natives in the area was the order, while the Fulanis were also denied freedom of movement within the natives’ domain as they too might be killed.
The impact of the aforementioned peace making processes brought about reconciliation and dialogue meeting with both parties agreeing to shield their swords and come to a round-table discussion in Unguwan Fari.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Northern Coordinator of GPFN in his submission made reference to the Bible with a view to soften and calm their tempers for peaceful deliberation, adding, “God in the Bible categorically stipulated that if you love Him and do not love your neighbour, your love to Him is not genuine and can be rejected in the hereafter.”
He observed that several meetings were held separately with the key different stakeholders in the area and aggrieved parties in Dangoma, stressing, “We later realized the need to and held different meetings in Amban, Goska and Bakin Kogi.”
Rev. added that the chief of Kaninkon was a peace loving person for availing us the opportunity to converge this meeting with a view to reach a truth consensus for lasting peace in the area.
He further stressed that both Fulani’s and natives’ youth were consulted and agreed for a dialogue meeting to broker peace, stressing that at the end of the meeting, both parties would forgive one another and transmit the message of the peace agreement to their respective youth that are behind the carnage.
Sheikh Halliru Maraya, the Northern Co-Coordinator in his submission reminded participants of their origin, saying, “Ancestrally, we all belong to one parent which is Adams and Eve, hence, we are brothers and sisters. The devil that masterminded the killings of our brothers and sisters in the area would be ashamed at the end of this meeting. Shaitan (devil) was enemy to us even our forefather, Adams and Eve were deceived to have disobeyed our Creator by which they were asked to exit from paradise to dwell on earth.
“Therefore, today, the devil that also deceived us would be disappointed by seeing this gathering coming together for the first time to embrace peace and live with one another without any rancor.”
“We are not here to discuss what happened in the past but the way forward. According to Maraya, I know you have offended one another but please forgive, as God is Forgiver and loves those that forgive.”
He preempted that all of them were happy and full of hope as they come together to dialogue the infeasible before the upsurge of the violence.
He pleaded with Kaninkon people to forgive Dangoma for their faults and vice versa, pointing out that ethno-religious violence must be condemned as they were not opportune to choose what religion or tribes to be born into but the will of God.
Sati Minisi, the secretary of Unguwan Fari Development Association, said since there was a peace agreement already signed by both Dangoma and Goska, there was no need to draft another one but all of them should continue to abide by it so that peace would reign in the area.
He urged them to restore the good working and harmonious relationship they had in the past, adding that the shadows should please tell the invaders to relinquish as they now forgive and embrace one another for peaceful coexistence.
Kennedy Dauda from Bakin Kogi, one of the victims of the attacks whose houses were set ablazed, said that their father strengthened their faith to leave everything in the hands of God, noting that they have forgiven everyone and also demanded that both Muslims and Christians should pray to one another as they began a new life
Gonzaka, the youth leader from Bakin Kogi, expressed to witness this day of coming together between them and Dangoma for peace talk. He was exonerated Dangoma’s Fulanis from the incessant attacks but transitional Fulanis.
Zakariya Magaji- Bakin Kogi commended the effort of GPFN to have achieved another milestone of their good work. He prayed that those that were mentioned in their statements have forgiven them from their heart.
Mr. Istifanus Ezikiel from Goska appealed to Dangoma people to forgive them on what happened in the past as they also forgive them. “I tell you that nobody can deny the fact that we have wrong one another, hence seeking for your forgiveness as we forgive you.”
Hardo Ayyuba Ladduga, a Fulani man with intimate relationship with Dangoma, said, “I am here present today to bear witness on the peace agreement that is taking place, l believe the leaders will eventually be able to convince their youths to make peace with one another.”
All the traditional rulers present at the meeting expressed delight at move by the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria for their foresight and the people’s resolve d to live in peace with one another for the overall peace, unity and development of the area, Jema’a local government area and Kaduna State in general.
