The Kaduna Peace Forum and peace advocate, Friday Jibo, have called for greater unity and stability in Southern Kaduna, ahead of the 2027 elections. They urged political actors, community leaders, and residents to protect the region's shared interests and avoid actions that could deepen existing divisions. This call was made after separate engagements with the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Kaduna State Governor, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai. The discussions focused on security, political tensions, community relations, and development.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation among communities and political actors. They noted that provocative statements and competing narratives on social media could further strain relationships within the region. The Kaduna Peace Forum, represented by its Coordinator, Rev. Sunday Haruna, and Secretary-General, Aminu Isah Kachia, expressed concern over divisive narratives and personal attacks circulating on social media. They urged political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public communications.
The Forum stressed that political differences should not undermine peaceful coexistence, development initiatives, or the collective interests of the people of Southern Kaduna. They encouraged political competition within the bounds of peaceful democratic engagement, focusing on issues that improve the welfare and security of residents. The Forum also appealed to political leaders to prioritize the broader interests of Southern Kaduna above personal and partisan considerations.
Security was identified as a major area requiring greater collaboration among communities, government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious leaders. The Forum urged residents to establish stronger channels of communication with relevant authorities and discourage individuals from taking the law into their own hands. Effective security, they maintained, requires cooperation between government institutions and communities.
Friday Jibo called for increased security and intelligence attention to the Karji–Maigero axis of Kaduna, citing growing activity in the area. He urged relevant security authorities to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and other measures to protect residents, businesses, and visitors. Jibo emphasized that adequate security is essential for attracting investment and encouraging businesses.
Jibo also urged residents of Southern Kaduna to recognize their shared interests and resist attempts to allow political differences to undermine the region's development. He encouraged political actors to engage constructively, focusing on improving the lives of citizens. Jibo cited the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Comrade Jerry Adams as examples of prominent individuals from the region who should be supported.
As part of efforts to promote unity, Jibo announced plans for a major peace musical concert in December. The event aims to bring people together around a message of peace, unity, and stability. The proposed concert is expected to attract over two million people and provide an opportunity for entertainment and cultural expression to promote peaceful coexistence.
Key points
- The Kaduna Peace Forum and Friday Jibo urge unity and stability in Southern Kaduna ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Stakeholders emphasize the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation among communities and political actors.
- A major peace musical concert is planned for December to promote unity and stability in the region.
