Stakeholders in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining peaceful coexistence and unity among residents.
The stakeholders made this known during an expanded security meeting held at the local government secretariat in Kagarko on Friday.
The meeting followed recent concerns over alleged unrest involving herders and farmers in the area.
Mrs Charity Dangana, a community leader, said women in the area had visited the traditional ruler of Koro Chiefdom, Dr Yohannan Akoito, to express concerns over reported night grazing by herders, which she described as unusual.
She said the royal father assured them that appropriate authorities, including the Local Government Chairman, would be contacted to address the matter.
“We were satisfied with the response and everyone returned peacefully. It was therefore surprising to see false reports on social media suggesting that Kagarko is in crisis,” she said.
Dangana, who is also the women’s leader in the area, stated categorically that the local government remained peaceful.
“We have always lived in peace and will not allow anyone to sow division among us,” she said.
A youth leader from Kabara District, Mr John Musa, also dismissed the crisis reports, stating that the community’s engagement with the traditional ruler was misinterpreted.
“Some individuals who do not want peace are trying to create tension where none exists,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Fulani herders, Ardo Usman Abdullahi apologised for the damage caused to some farmlands due to night grazing.
He said night grazing was not a common practice and those responsible would be identified and sanctioned.
The Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Mr Muhuyideen Umar, described the relationship among farmers, herders, and the residents as cordial.
He attributed the prevailing peace to continuous engagements through dialogue and the establishment of community security committees, supported by Gov. Uba Sani’s administration.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, called on the residents to cooperate with the security agencies to sustain the peaceful atmosphere.
Represented by his Adviser, Mr Musa Likita, the CDS warned against attempts by selfish individuals to incite conflict.
Likita listed federal development projects impacting the area, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan; and the Defence Farm at Gurara Dam.
He said these projects were signs of goodwill from the government and urged the people to protect the peace in the area.
The stakeholders unanimously reiterated their resolve to maintain unity and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in Kagarko