The Kaduna State Government has pledged to intensify its efforts towards the security of lives and properties of its citizens.
Governor Uba Sani made the commitment on Wednesday at a Reflection Meeting on Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Peace and Social Harmony in Kaduna State.
It was organized by the Kaduna State Peace Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other sister UN agencies.
The governor said that the state government will deploy cutting-edge technology as well as community-based protocols to prevent and detect crime.
Sani said: “We shall prioritize the maintenance of law and order as the bedrock of societal co-existence.
He said, “My administration is determined to break the cycle of impunity. All those who want to test the will of government will have themselves to blame.
“If you break the law, be ready to face the consequences.
“While encouraging inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue through that process they can build shared understanding and consensus on contentious issues for the benefit of the state.”
The governor said that he would further empower the commission to enhance the delivery of its mandate of anticipating, preventing and resolving conflicts.
He assured, “This administration shall strengthen the Kaduna State Vigilante Service to complement the efforts of the federal security agencies.”
The Sani-led administration also pledged its commitment to ensuring that equity and justice prevailed, though it notes that decades of suspicion and perceptions of marginalization may not allow some people to see things objectively, or give them the benefit doubt.
Sani said, “Wherever you come from or wherever you reside, be assured that development will reach you. You will feel the impact of government.”
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Saleh Momale, commended the government for its support, which had reinforced the confidence of the citizens.
He said the state was confronted with so many issues affecting peace and stability, including contestations over scarce resources, negative exploitation of ethnic and religious differences, resulting in occasional ethno-religious upheavals.
Momale also blamed the insecurity and associated violent crime on circulation of fake news and hate speech.
Since its establishment, the commission had dealt with the various threats to peaceful coexistence through its collaboration with sister MDAs in the State.
Momale said that the state has been relatively peaceful in recent time as a result of peace building efforts, adding that, “key challenge facing the State are the nefarious activities of criminal gangs orchestrating varying degrees of violence against citizens.”
Momale called on the Federal and State Governments to devote sufficient financial resources, technology and human capital to bring these activities to an end.
He said the commission was working tirelessly with various stakeholders to prepare a roadmap for sustainable peace and social harmony in the State under the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
Momale said that the plan would serve as the guiding document for peaceful and harmonious relations taking into cognisance that Kaduna State was among the most diverse in terms of ethnic, religious, political and socio-economic pursuits.
He added: “And unless these diversities are adequately understood and positively exploited, they could easily be manipulated to cause social tensions and violent confrontations.
“The long terms goals intended to be achieved include functional institutions with capacity to effectively mitigate and resolve conflicts and timely reporting.
“They also include coordinated response to threats of violent and non-violent conflicts as well as amicable mediation and resolution of conflicts leading to harmonious coexistence and appreciation of diversity.”
While appreciating UNDP for its support, Momale called for more collaborations with diverse stakeholders in promoting peace, unity and development in the State and the nation at large.
In his remarks , the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli called for constant dialogue while addressing conflicts. ”It is important for leaders to use dialogue in addressing issues than allowing the use of arms,” he said.
He also assured the commission of the traditonal leaders’ continuous support to achieve sustainable peace in the state
On his part , the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Fredrick Byat and his counterpart of the Jama’atul Nasirul Islam(JNI), Mallam Ibrahim Kufena said the initiative was laudable as it helped in enhancing peaceful co-existence in the state
They promised their total commitment and support toward sustainable peace and security in the state and Nigeria at large .
