Farmers, Herdsmen vow to resist crisis in Southern Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Herders and Farmers in the Southern Kaduna Zones have reaffirmed their commitment to resist a repeat of crisis that plugged the area in to wanton destruction of lives and property, saying it was being perpetrated by enemies of peace in the area.
They stated this in a memorandum of Understanding signed after cultural peace festival held in Zonkwa- Zango Kataf local government area yesterday.
This agreement came as relative peace is being enjoyed in Kaduna state.
The program which was organised by a Non Governmental Organisation “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 Zango Kataf LGA.
Giving an overview on the purpose of the program, 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 will not be achieved.
“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 brothers keepers 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 District Head 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 platform for their effort to co habit with all irrespective of tribal and ethnic leanage which he noted has improved on the level of tolerance between and amongst them.
Also speaking, the Ardo Bajju Chiefdom, Abdullahi Avong called on all displaced Fulanis in the area who have relocated to other places to return as the area is now peaceful for all to live.
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 informations that may distort the existing peace in the area.
The groups that participated includes Bawena Bagla,Tsostontat, Anghan, Bakunvon Baranzan, Samba, Fulani and the Banye Nara cultural groups and a drama presentation depicting the theme of inter-marriages and the importance of forgiveness and tolerance.