By Amos Tauna
The chief Ardo of Bajju Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, Abdullahi Avong, has called on the Fulani, who left the area during the crisis that engulfed the part of the state to return.
Speaking at a cross cultural peace festival organized by Search for Common Ground, a Non-Governmental Organization in Zonkwa, Abdullahi Avong explained that peace has since been restored in the area.
He enjoined both farmers and Fulanis to continue to dialogue with one another for the sustenance of peace in the area, stressing that they have both come a long way in their existence in various communities that made up Southern Kaduna.
The chief Ardo noted that as relative peace is being restored in the area, people should avoid hate speech that could create panic and apprehension, pointing out that through the cultural displayed, people have different life styles, but should try to accommodate one another for a better society.
The programme organised by Search for Common Ground in partnership with the Justice Development and Peace Caritas Jos, with the support of the United State Agency for International Development, USAID, featured cultural and drama presentations from the different cultural groups in Zangon Kataf local government.
Giving an overview on the purpose of the programme, the Associate State Coordinator Kaduna and Nasarawa states Search for Common Ground, Mr. Chorbe Joshua, said the organization realises the importance of mutual respect for the diverse cultures in the society and the need to understand and appreciate same by all for a more peaceful and harmonious society.
He advised those present to always ensure to always seek to resolve their differences through dialogue and in a non adversarial manner instead of resorting to arms for vengeance that would not be to the development of the area.
“Let me say here that we are not in your community to teach you how to live in peace with one another but to encourage you to learn to be your brother’s keeper as we need each other to survive,” he added.
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman, local organising committee of the cross cultural peace festival and community leader of Kurmin – Bi in Bajju Chiefdom, Mr Ishaku Gado, said the participating groups were drawn from all the ethnic groups across the local government.
He appreciated the effort of Search for Common Ground on the need to live together irrespective of tribal or ethnic differences, noting that it has improved on the level of tolerance amongst them.
In their various goodwill messages, the Commander Special Task Force Zango Kataf, Divisional Police Officer Zonkwa and the representatives of all the four traditional chiefdoms in the local government commended the foresight of the organisers in championing the cause of peace and urge the people to always be security conscious and assist security agencies with useful information that may distort the existing peace in the area.
Various ethnic groups participated in the cultural festival and a drama presentation depicting the theme of inter-marriages and the importance of forgiveness and tolerance among the people.
