Following series of consultations and dialogue meetings, Communities in Zikpak and Takad Chiefdoms in Jema’a and Kaura Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on Thursday, signed a commitment to sustain peace in the communities.

It would be recalled that in the past, the relationship between Fulani and Fanstwam locals of Zikpak Chiefdom as well as Fulanis in Takad Chiefdom and the Attakar locals have been affected by series of attacks which led to loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of Naira.

Salama News reports that the event which took place in Kafanchan was facilitated by the the Kaduna State Peace Commission, in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace.

Speaking during the program, the Community engagement officer, United states Institute of Peace, Terfa Hemem, emphasized the need for individuals to recognize the fact that every human being is created by God with diverse beliefs/ background, cultural values religion and ethnic group.

While commending the communities for agreeing to commit to peaceful coexistence by signing the pact, Hemem the move will enable them discuss amicably and work out community-based interventions for lasting peace and development.

He added that both communities are willing to put in place mechanisms for the management of disputes so as to prevent crises with huge effects on livelihoods and socio economic development.

In a remark, the Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Mrs. Rebeccah Sako John, reaffirmed the resolve of the state government to partner the community leaders on how to implementation the agreement in order to promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence in the communities and LGA at large.

Mrs Sako however, tasked the people to shun violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections so as to vote in candidates of their choice without peacefully.

In their separate contributions, the Chiefs of Zikpak and Takad, Mr. Josiah Kantiok and Mr. Tobias Nkom Wada, explained that traditional leaders have been working to ensure that mutual respect, development and peaceful coexistence return to their communities after the unfortunate incidents that led to mistrust between their locals and Fulani.

They attributed the relative peace being enjoyed to the series of dialogue and deliberations to promote harmonious coexistence by the Kaduna State Peace Commission and United states Institute of Peace as well as other NGOs which led to increased understanding between and among the people.

Earlier in a goodwill message, the Commissioner Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Mrs Pheobe Sukai Yayi, saluted the courage of the traditional rulers for helping the government to achieve and sustain peace and development.

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