Fulbe group holds peace summit in Southern Kaduna
Determined to sustain the current level of peace in Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State, the Coalition of Fulbe Associations (CFA) in the state has organised a summit to chart a new course for peaceful coexistence. Speaking at the summit at Ungwan Wakili in Zango, the traditional ruler of Atyap […]
Traditional rulers of Atyap and Ikulu chiefdoms with the representatives of the Coalition of Fulbe Associations (CFA). Photo by Ahmed Ali, Kafanchan
Determined to sustain the current level of peace in Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State, the Coalition of Fulbe Associations (CFA) in the state has organised a summit to chart a new course for peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the summit at Ungwan Wakili in Zango, the traditional ruler of Atyap Chiefdom, Agwatyap Dominic Gambo Yahaya, observed that the frequency of such meetings had the capacity to narrow down existing differences among the people and renew their friendship.
In a 13-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting signed by the chairman and secretary of the communiqué drafting committee, Ibrahim Bayero and Barrister Nuhu Ibrahim respectively, the group called for an immediate end to the intimidation of Fulbe in some areas in Atyap Chiefdom.
They also stressed the need for village, ward and district heads of Atyap Chiefdom to treat all their subjects with equity and justice and address genuine complaints of Fulani pastoralists with fairness.
They also demanded that all extortions of Fulani pastoralists by some traditional rulers and security agents must be brought to an end, adding that proportionate assessment of compensation for damages to crops by Fulani cattle should be addressed.
The coalition frowned at the generalisation of crimes and vices, insisting that criminals should be addressed by their names and not by their tribe, and therefore called for necessary measures to be put in place towards protecting the trans-humanist Fulbe pastoralists on their migratory routes in villages within Atyap Chiefdom.
While calling on communities to desist from blockage of cattle routes and drinking water points either through farming or erecting of structures, the group asked for the withdrawal of stringent conditions laid down by Atyap Chiefdom for the return of displaced Fulani people; stressing that such conditions should only apply to foreigners.
In another development, the Kaduna State Peace Commission has organised a peace dialogue between the warring communities of Takad Chiefdom in Kaura LGA and Ganawuri of Ryom LGA in Plateau State.
Speaking at the peace dialogue which was held at the palace of the Agwam Takad, Tobias Nkom Wada, the traditional ruler described the crisis between Atakar and Fulani of Kaura and the Atien of Ganawuri in Plateau as age-long.
He, however, said a Fulani-led reconciliation committee which comprised the Takad and Fulani that were completely sacked in Zangang had resolved that they should return and live together peacefully.