Volunteer peacemaker, Victor Abarshi, has called upon Christian and Muslim leaders within the Atyap Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna to instill a sense of forgiveness and love among their congregations, as a means to reinforce the relative peace in the region.
This appeal was made during a dialogue held at the Agwatyap Palace in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The dialogue was coordinated by Abarshi and sponsored by the Ladies Empowerment Goals and Supports Initiative (LEGASI), in partnership with Peace Direct (PD).
Abarshi highlighted the necessity to change the negative assumptions about the Atyap Chiefdom. He insisted that in the absence of an alternative to peace, the local population should strive to regain the tranquility their ancestors once enjoyed.
Canon Timothy, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Malam Tanko Isa, the Chief Imam of the chiefdom, praised Abarshi’s efforts. They reiterated their commitment to reconciliation, trust-building, and healing. They emphasized that Christians and Muslims, being descendants of Adam and Eve, are essentially members of one large family.
The dialogue attendees addressed several issues that could potentially disrupt the peace in the chiefdom, including damage to crops by herders, encroachments, and blockages of cattle routes by farmers. The restoration of the weekly Zango market was also proposed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Atyap Chiefdom has been the hardest hit by the ongoing Southern Kaduna conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of lives and property.
