Stakeholders call for release of leaders in detention

Some stakeholders in crisis ridden communities in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state urged the state’s Peace Commission to prevail on governor Nasiru El-Rufai to facilitate the release of Adara leaders arrested after recent killings in the area.

It was reported that members of the peace commission led by the Chairman, Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, visited the area in their push for reconciliation amongst the warring communities.

Both the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the area, Mr Makama Danjuma and Mr Patrick Maigari, Chairman of the local reconciliation committee said the release of Adara community leaders would fast track reconciliation and ensure confidence in the process.

Maigari in particular stressed that reintegration of the people for lasting peace was possible, but the first step should be the release of those in detention.

He called on all communities in the Local government to shun all forms of violence, ethnicity and religious bigotry and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Earlier, Idowu-Fearon explained that the Commission would continue to play its part until peace is achieved in the State.

“We are also investigating the situation that brought about the reoccurrence of the crisis in the area. We are here to help government to resolve the situation and also give out recommendations for lasting peace,” he emphasised.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Priscilla Ankut while commiserating with victims of the crisis said the Commission would continue to collaborate with the stakeholders to jointly bring sustainable solutions to the crisis towards the development of the area.

Ankut explained that the meeting was with a view to encouraging stakeholders to commit themselves to proper and lasting reconciliation.

The Chairman, Kajuru LGA,  Mr Cafra Caino, represented by his deputy, Mr Jagaba Kutara, thanked the Commission for the encouraging engagement towards peace building in the area.

According to him, more than 40,000 internally displaced persons are currently taking refuge in eight camps in the area.

Also, JNI Chairman, Kajuru LGA, Sheikh Dahiru Kabir, expressed regret over recurring attacks in the area after each reconciliation meeting.

He called on all to shun sentiments, be sincere and committed to the peace process and expose those behind the crime irrespective of who they are.