Traditional rulers, Christian, Islamic clerics unite for Southern Kaduna peace

Traditional rulers across Southern Kaduna have thrown their weight behind a unity initiative convened by the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association in collaboration with prominent Islamic clerics.

The high-level meeting, which took place on Thursday in Kafanchan, brought together monarchs from across ethnic and religious divides in what stakeholders have described as a historic turning point for the region.

The initiative was in a bold effort to foster lasting peace and drive development in the region.

The Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders who is the Convener, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, said the peace summit was organised to consolidate recent gains in regional stability and chart a common path for coexistence and progress among the people of Southern Kaduna.

He said the decision to rally traditional and religious leaders was born out of growing concerns about the fragile peace in the area and the urgent need for sustained collaboration.

“The times are changing, and if we do not rise above old wounds and divisions, we may lose the opportunity to build the future our children deserve. This gathering is about building bridges and restoring confidence.”

In a rare show of unity, both Christian and Muslim leaders stood side-by-side, with traditional rulers expressing overwhelming support for the peace initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Muhammadu II, and the Chief of Kagoro, Dr. Ufuwai Bonnet, lauded the efforts of the religious leaders.

They described the gathering as “timely and necessary” and pledged their commitment to ensuring its success.

“This initiative was not only commendable but essential for the survival of our people,” the Emir of Jama’a said.

Also, Bonnet echoed similar sentiments, calling on all leaders and stakeholders to rise above partisanship and ethnic interests in the pursuit of unity.

“We must stand as one people. If we are united, nothing can hold us back,” he stated.

Others in attendance at the peace initiative summit included elders and community influencers, many of whom expressed optimism that the meeting could pave the way for a new era of inter-ethnic and inter-religious collaboration in the region.

Observers say the Kafanchan meeting marks a critical step in efforts to institutionalise peace in Southern Kaduna, a region that has long grappled with ethno-religious tensions and intermittent violence.

News reports that the summit was part of a broader strategy to involve traditional institutions in peacebuilding frameworks, with plans underway to establish regular dialogue forums and joint development committees.

Some of the stakeholders at the meeting called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to support the initiative and provide the necessary backing to implement resolutions reached during the summit.