Kaduna community leaders reaffirm commitment to peaceful coexistence

Stakeholders in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the peace and unity that have defined the area for decades, dismissing social media reports alleging renewed hostilities between farmers and herders.

The reassurance came during an expanded security meeting held at the Kagarko Local Government Secretariat, which brought together traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, community heads, and security agencies.

Speaking at the meeting, community leaders emphasised that peaceful coexistence remains a central value among the people of Kagarko, warning against attempts by “self-serving elements” to create tension where none exists.

Mrs. Charity Dangana, a respected community leader who spoke on behalf of the women, recounted a recent misunderstanding that led to misinformation on social media.

He promised to reach out to the relevant authorities, including the local government chairman, for prompt action. We left the palace satisfied and at peace.”

However, Dangana said she was shocked when she later saw social media reports claiming that Kagarko was engulfed in crisis. She firmly denied the reports, describing them as malicious and unfounded.

“We are peaceful people. As the women’s leader, I want to say categorically that Kagarko Local Government Area is not in crisis. We are dedicated to sustaining the peace and unity that we’ve always enjoyed,” she said.

Youth representatives also debunked the reports, stressing that the area remains calm and united.

A youth leader from Kabara District, John Musa, said their earlier visit to the palace was misrepresented by people with ulterior motives.

“We only went to discuss some unusual developments, but some individuals who don’t wish us well twisted the story to create tension. There is no crisis in Kagarko. We are living peacefully as brothers and sisters,” he assured the meeting.

Speaking on behalf of Fulani herders in the area, Ardo Usman Abdullahi apologised for the damage caused to farmlands by herders who grazed their cattle at night, stressing that such behavior is neither common nor tolerated.

Night grazing is not our tradition. Those responsible acted on their own and will be made to face the consequences. We have agreed to work closely with farmers and security agencies to prevent any future misunderstanding,” he said.

Usman also commended the local authorities and traditional rulers for handling the matter with fairness and dialogue rather than confrontation.

The Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Hon. Muhuyideen Umar reaffirmed that peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding among farmers, herders, and other residents remain strong.

He attributed the sustained peace to the proactive leadership of Governor Uba Sani, whom he praised for investing in peacebuilding and supporting community security structures across the state.

“We must acknowledge Governor Uba Sani’s tireless commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. His administration has strengthened local peace committees and provided platforms for resolving disputes before they escalate,” he maintained.

The council chairman urged residents to ignore misinformation and continue working together to preserve the area’s reputation for harmony and tolerance.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended Kagarko residents for their peaceful disposition and urged them to continue collaborating with security agencies to sustain stability in Southern Kaduna

Represented by his personal adviser, Musa Likita, the CDS cautioned the people not to allow “selfish individuals” to incite division among them.

“Peace is priceless,” Likita said, while adding: “General Musa is proud of Kagarko’s example of unity. He urges you to remain vigilant and not allow anyone to take advantage of your diversity to cause trouble.”

He also highlighted several ongoing federal projects aimed at promoting development and stability in the region, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan; and the Defence Farm Project at Guarara Dam.

Likita noted that such initiatives were part of the federal government’s strategy to boost education, healthcare, and food security in Southern Kaduna.

“These projects are testaments to the goodwill of the Kaduna State Government and the federal government.

“Peaceful coexistence is the best way to reciprocate this support and attract more development to our communities,” Likita pointed out.

Arewa PUNCH further reports that at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders issued a joint resolution reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in the area. They also condemned the spread of false information capable of destabilising the community.

The resolution emphasised that Kagarko remains a model of harmony where farmers and herders cooperate through dialogue and mutual respect.

“We are united in our resolve to maintain peace. No individual or group will be allowed to sow division among people who have lived together for generations,” the statement stressed.

With firm commitments from traditional, religious, and community leaders, the Kagarko stakeholders assured all that they would continue to work with the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to ensure that the peace in the area remains unbroken.