by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A body, known as the ‘Global Peace Foundation Nigeria’ (GPFN), has intensified its grassroots peace-building efforts with the launch of a renewed peace campaign in Nasarawa and Kakuri communities of Kaduna State.
The intervention forms part of a six-month programme designed to deepen social cohesion and prevent resurgence of tensions that have previously strained relations between the neighbouring communities.
The campaign is structured as a “multi-stakeholder engagement,” bringing together religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women associations.
It is focused on promoting dialogue, strengthening early warning systems, and encouraging non-violent communication as practical tools for sustaining peace at the community level.
Speaking during the intervention, the Country Director of GPFN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, explained that the initiative became necessary in response to earlier misunderstandings between the two communities.
He asserted that peace-building must remain proactive rather than reactive, especially in areas with histories of tension.
“Nasarawa and Kakuri are neighboring communities. A few months ago, there was tension and confusion due to certain differences,” he said.
“As peace advocates, we feel we should not allow a repeat of that; so, we introduced a programme to promote social cohesion,” he said
Rev. Hayab further disclosed that the intervention was developed in close collaboration with traditional institutions in the area.
According to him, consultations were held with the chiefs of both Nasarawa and Kakuri communities, who jointly agreed to host the stakeholders’ engagement as a demonstration of unity and commitment to peace.
“We requested the Chief of Nasarawa to come, and he reached out to the Chief of Kakuri, and they agreed to host us in one place to show willingness for peace intervention,” he added.
He emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to improve communication among residents.
According to him, most communal disputes are often worsened by poor dialogue, misinterpretation of intentions, and unresolved grievances that are allowed to linger.
“When people begin to respect each other and learn how to speak to one another, the possibility of tension – like what we experienced months ago – will not come,” he said.
Community leaders at the event also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for sustaining unity between the two neighbouring communities.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged continued collaboration with peace actors working in the area.
Represented by Yusuf Muhammad Yunus, the Sarkin Nasarawa, Mr. Adam A. Adam, described the area as a “cosmopolitan community” where Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully over the years.
He noted that, although, there were recent disturbances, they have been addressed through dialogue and mutual understanding, while calling for continuous efforts to sustain peace.
“We had a small crisis between Christians and Muslims, but now the community is settled,” he said.
Also speaking, Reverend Garba Samaila Sani, who chairs Nasarawa Zone of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Mallam Muhammed Akilu of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in promoting peace through constant sensitization and community education.
They added that both faiths remain united in their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
While pledging continued collaboration, they stressed that peace remains the foundation for development and progress in any society, warning that no meaningful growth can take place in an atmosphere of conflict or division.
The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria reiterated that the campaign is aimed at expanding its motto of One Family Under God for entrenching lasting harmony between the communities and preventing any recurrence of violence, noting that peace remains a critical driver of stability, development, and social progress in Kaduna State.