From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Stakeholders in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the current peaceful coexistence and unity in the region.
This assurance was made during an expanded security meeting held at the Local Government Secretariat in Kagarko.
The stakeholders emphasized that peaceful coexistence is an integral part of their lifestyle, and they will ensure it is maintained, preventing any individual or group from sowing discord among those who have lived as brothers and sisters for decades.
In response to a recent report of unrest in the area involving headmen and farmers, Mrs. Charity Dangana, a local leader, expressed the concerns of women in the community.
They had taken the initiative to visit the Traditional Ruler of Koro Chiefdom, Dr. Yohannan Akoito, to voice their worries over nighttime invasions of farmlands by herdsmen—an unusual occurrence in the area.
Mrs. Dangana stated that the Royal Father assured them he would communicate with the relevant agencies and the Local Government Chairman for prompt action.
She expressed her relief at the response, noting that everyone returned home peacefully.
However, she was taken aback to see reports on social media claiming that the Local Government Area was in crisis, which she firmly denies.
“We are peaceful people, and as the women’s leader, I want to say categorically that Kagarko Local Government Area is not in crisis, and we are dedicated to sustaining our peaceful coexistence,” she declared.
John Musa, a youth leader from the Kabara district, also refuted claims of a crisis in the area.
“We visited the Royal Father to discuss certain unusual developments. Unfortunately, some individuals who do not wish for us to be at peace viewed this as an opportunity to spread false information,” he said.
Ardo Usman Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Fulani herdsmen, apologized for the damage caused to some farmlands by herdsmen grazing at night.
He clarified that night grazing is not a common practice among herdsmen, and those responsible will be held accountable.
The Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Hon. Muhuyideen A. Umar, stated that peace and cooperation among farmers, herders, and residents of the area remain strong.
He attributed this stability to the Governor Uba Sani—ongoing investment in peacebuilding, dialogue, and community security committees.
The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged the people of Kagarko and southern Kaduna to collaborate with security agencies to maintain the peaceful coexistence for which the Kagarko Local Government Area is known.
Represented by his personal adviser, Musa Likita, he urged the community not to let selfish individuals instigate discord among them.
Musa Likita highlighted several development projects benefiting the people of Kagarko, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, the Federal Medical Center, Kafanchan, and the Defense Farm at Guarara Dam.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence in reciprocating the goodwill of Kaduna State and the federal government.
The stakeholders in Kagarko Local Government Area have committed to upholding the existing peaceful coexistence in the region and have firmly denied reports of any crisis.
They reiterated that peace and cooperation among farmers, herders, and residents continue to thrive.
