In July 2020, communal killings in Southern Kaduna led to the death of at least twenty-two people over a three day span. This was in spite of a curfew imposed by the state government. The reoccurring violence which first broke out in the 1990s between the Hausa and Kataf communities over the relocation of a market in Zangon-Kataf local government has spurred the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the state. Recently, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was forced to rescind an invitation it had sent to Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai to speak at its annual conference. This was largely centered around his poor human rights record.
In a bid to resolve the lingering crisis, a family house was initiated by the Governor, El-Rufai, to serve as a forum for leaders of faith to discuss, interact and take up collective responsibility for information that help people of faith to live up to the highest goals of Nigeria’s two main religions as peaceful, law-abiding citizens. A peace summit took place on Sunday at Kafanchan organized by the Kaduna State Chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), where residents resolved to embrace peace. The reoccurring violence is responsible for the death of more lives than other social vices.
The communique was ratified by Hassan Tugga, the MACBAN state chairman; Abdulhamid Musa, southern Kaduna zonal chairman; Shuaibu Usman, the zonal secretary; and Ibrahim Zango, the director of media and publicity. The communique states that relationships with neighboring communities will be nurtured to aid growth.
We have agreed to revert to our olden days’ relationship with our neighboring communities in southern Kaduna
We have resolved to be our brothers’ keeper henceforth in order to foster growth and development in the region.
We call on our people to stop allowing underage children from rearing cattle in order to prevent further destruction of the farm produce within the area.
In the same vein, we call on farmers to desist from blocking cattle routes both local and international.
Leaders of the association said criminals will not be let off the hook easily and will face the consequences of the law. Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious events and people.