Tackle farmer/herder conflict through peace groups, KNSG urged

Kano state government has been urged to establish Community Peace Partnership Groups (CPPGs) in 41 local government areas to complement the peace-building initiative experimented in Bichi, Doguwa and Kumbotso. The initiative, is being carried  out under the auspices of National Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP). Participants at the public presentation of the pilot project’s document […]

Kano state government has been urged to establish Community Peace Partnership Groups (CPPGs) in 41 local government areas to complement the peace-building initiative experimented in Bichi, Doguwa and Kumbotso.

The initiative, is being carried  out under the auspices of National Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP).

Participants at the public presentation of the pilot project’s document extolled the peaceful manner by which recurrent farmer/herder conflict in Doguwa local government area was addressed through community peace partnership group, saying if same would be replicated in the remaining 41 local government areas, the state will set an example for the entire nation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations, Kano State Police Command, Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga who represented the state’s commissioner of police at the occasion said “nothing can be achieved without peace’’ and thus appealed to the government to establish the groups in the remaining 41 LGAs in the state.

‘’If the state can replicate this in all local government areas, a lot can be achieved in curtailing farmer/herder dispute in the state. We cannot achieve anything without peace. There must be mediation, we must understand ourselves, that’s the way it can work’’ he said.

Dr Jumai Alhamdu, who was the reviewer of the project document, expressed satisfaction with the approach used to address farmer/herder conflict in Doguwa local government area.

‘’Addressing farmer/herder conflict in Doguwa is a remarkable achievement. I expect this to spread beyond the three local government areas. Other local government areas in the state should also have CPPGs and groups be sustained beyond the present administration’’ she urged.

Kano state Amira, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Sa’adatu Hashim said the project had helped in enhancing relationship between Muslims and Christians in the communities.

“Before the project, both Muslims and Christians were seen as enemies of each other but when we brought them together it cemented the relationship. Now they celebrate their festivities together; eat together and have a good time together’’ she said.

Mr. Mark Asu-Obi, Director Justice Development and Peace/Caritas Advocates (JDPCA), thanked the executive Governor of the state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his support to the project.

The project was in partnership with some faith based organizations, including FOMWAN, JDPCA and Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI).