Kafanchan, Kaduna State — May 2025 — In a rare and powerful show of unity, traditional rulers, Christian leaders, and Islamic clerics gathered under one roof in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna, pledging to chart a new path of peace and healing in a region long troubled by ethno-religious conflict.
Thursday’s landmark gathering, convened by the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association in partnership with respected Muslim clerics, has been hailed as a historic turning point. Stakeholders described it as more than just a meeting — but the beginning of a transformative journey towards coexistence and development.
Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Convener and Chairman of the association, spearheaded the peace summit, emphasizing the urgency to protect recent gains in the region’s fragile stability.
“The times are changing. If we don’t rise above our old wounds and divisions now, we might never get the future our children deserve,” Kure said with emotion. “This gathering is about rebuilding broken trust and creating shared hope.”
The summit was intentionally inclusive — cutting across faith, tribe, and tradition — with high-ranking monarchs pledging their full support. In a show of interfaith solidarity, Christian and Muslim leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder, united in purpose and resolve.
Royal Seal of Approval
The Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Muhammadu II, and Chief of Kagoro, Dr. Ufuwai Bonnet, delivered resounding endorsements of the initiative on behalf of the traditional council.
“This peace effort is not only commendable, it’s critical for the survival of our people,” the Emir declared, urging leaders across board to drop the cloak of partisanship and embrace unity.
Dr. Bonnet added,
“We must move beyond tribe and religion. When we stand as one, there’s nothing we cannot overcome.”
Their presence, alongside numerous other traditional leaders, symbolized a breaking of old walls and a willingness to forge new bonds between diverse communities.
Historical Context
Southern Kaduna has long suffered from the scars of ethno-religious tension, political division, and violence — a pattern that has stunted progress and broken communal trust for decades. But Thursday’s summit may mark a critical turning point in the effort to finally institutionalize peace, restore social cohesion, and drive development.
While the Kafanchan gathering is a bold and hopeful step, stakeholders agree that true peace will depend on continuous dialogue, inclusive governance, and grassroots engagement. Observers are cautiously optimistic, but the challenge now is translating words into concrete action on the ground.
More updates to follow as this peace movement unfolds across Southern Kaduna’s communities.
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