The Kaduna State Peace Commission reports that no violent conflict happened in the state’s major cities or conflict-prone areas in 2021.
Rev. Idowu Fearon, the commission’s Chairman, stated this during a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He expressed satisfaction that the efforts of the commission and its partners to de-escalate the drivers of violence in all parts of the state were bearing fruit.
The major cities, according to him, are Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, while the conflict-prone areas are Sanga, Kajuru, Igabi, and Chikun LGAs.
He requested that the media assist in publicizing the commission’s activities so that people could report threats to peace, security, and harmonious coexistence.
He stated that attempts are now being made to resolve the concerns that are fueling the confrontations, while steps to keep peace and promote harmonious relations are being forcefully pursued.
The chairman expressed gratitude to the commission’s partners for their assistance in promoting social harmony and peaceful coexistence in the state.
“I would like to acknowledge the Kaduna State Government’s consistent efforts towards peace building, working with diverse stakeholders at the local, national, and international levels, led by Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i.”
According to him, the administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reversing the recent spate of violent conflicts and restoring the state to its long-standing culture of peace, security, and progressive development.
Feron stated that as part of the effort, the state government had heavily invested in human capital and infrastructure, as well as streamlining governance structures for effective service delivery and performance.
He stated that in its pursuit of peace and social harmony, the commission has engaged in dialogue, listening to all parties and groups while responding to citizens’ concerns, worries, and needs.
The chairman thanked the Norwegian government and the United Nations Development Programme for their assistance in establishing an ICT-based Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS).
“The CEWERS is equipped with cutting-edge facilities that enable citizens to communicate and report incidents and threats to peace,” he said.
Feron explained that the platform received messages via verbal, SMS, email, mobile app, and web portal.
He also praised security forces for their numerous interventions in restoring the state’s peace and stability.
Feron urged the people to work together to de-escalate conflicts and reach consensus on the most effective ways to pursue a common destiny, regardless of differences.