From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Fulani herdsmen and Hausa that were displaced as a result of the 2011 post-election crisis at Zangon-Kataf local government area, Kaduna State have agreed to return if the state government and natives beefed up security and rebuild all houses burnt during the crisis. The Sarkin Hausawan Zonkwa, Alhaji Uba Ado disclosed this during a Town Hall meeting held at Zangon-Kataf Council Secretariat, held over the weekend.
The meeting was organized by Kaduna-based Interfaith Mediation Centre at the weekend, where the Fulani and Hausa leaders emphasized that for peace to reign, the natives of Zangon-Kataf and other neighbouring areas must be prepared to accommodate settlers and stop the reprisal attacks on innocent Fulani and Hausas.
According to Ado, the natives must equally be prepared to shun statements capable of inciting or igniting violence. “A situation where the natives openly call us settlers is degrading and unacceptable” , Ado stated.
In his brief remark, the paramount Chief of Zangon-Kataf, Harrison Bugon, assured the displaced Fulani and Hausas of protection of their lives and property now that they have agreed to return to the area.
Addressing all the stakeholders at the meeting , Imam Mohammed Sani, the Director of Intervention, Interfaith Mediation Centre, urged the natives and non-natives to reach an agreement that will help facilitate the return of all displaced persons.
According to him, to avoid any attack or crisis in future, it is imperative to build up a relationship that will encourage an enduring peaceful coexistence.
While explaining the need for lasting peace, Imam Sani, who expressed joy that the aggrieved non-natives have agreed to return to Zangon-Kataf after two years, noted: “This is the essence of the meeting. We are happy that our effort to ensure and consolidate on the relative peace achieved in southern Kaduna has yielded positive result “.
Meanwhile, the Director also tasked Christians and Muslims to tolerate and understand differences of one another.
He also reiterated that members of both religions must avoid derogatory statements capable of inciting crisis henceforth.
“Leaders must be sincere truthful and people must tolerate one another for peace to reign”, Imam Sani stated.
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