Insecurity: Pindiga emir urges stronger roles for traditional rulers

The Emir of Pindiga, Muhammad Seyoji Ahmed, has called for greater involvement of traditional rulers in addressing insecurity, warning that sidelining them in governance structures could weaken efforts to maintain peace at the grassroots. The monarch made the call at a peace dialogue organised by the Breach Initiative for Leadership Development in Gombe State, where […]

The Emir of Pindiga, Muhammad Seyoji Ahmed, has called for greater involvement of traditional rulers in addressing insecurity, warning that sidelining them in governance structures could weaken efforts to maintain peace at the grassroots.

The monarch made the call at a peace dialogue organised by the Breach Initiative for Leadership Development in Gombe State, where security agencies, traditional rulers and political leaders gathered to explore ways of tackling security challenges facing communities.

Seyoji Ahmed said traditional rulers remain central to community security because of their closeness to the people and their ability to detect early warning signs of conflicts and criminal activities.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the declining recognition of traditional institutions, particularly the practice of placing them under local government authorities.

According to him, traditional rulers are often the first point of contact when security issues arise in communities, yet they are not given the level of authority required to effectively support peacebuilding efforts.

“When a security problem occurs in a community, the traditional ruler is usually the first person people approach for intervention,” he said. “But the same institution is not accorded the recognition it deserves.”

He stressed that strengthening traditional institutions and integrating them into local security frameworks could enhance intelligence gathering and help prevent conflicts before they escalate.

The dialogue also highlighted the role of religious harmony and justice in promoting security and stability.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe State, Rev. Alphonsus Shinga, said peaceful coexistence among religious groups is critical to preventing crises.