From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria have called for a united and coordinated approach to tackle the region’s lingering security crisis, declaring that political, ethnic and religious divisions must no longer stand in the way of restoring peace.
The call was made on Wednesday at the Northern Peace Summit organised by the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative in Kaduna, where traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, security chiefs, civil society organisations, development partners, youth and women groups, academics and policy experts gathered to chart a new course for regional peace and security.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, the convener of the coalition, Abdullahi Idris, said the meeting was convened to develop practical solutions to insecurity and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
He lamented that Northern Nigeria has continued to bear the devastating impact of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have destroyed livelihoods, displaced communities and slowed socio-economic development.
“The time has come for Northern Nigeria to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and work together for the common good,” Idris declared.
“We can no longer afford the luxury of blame or silence. Our collective resolve must be stronger than the challenges confronting us.”
According to him, the summit is designed to produce practical strategies that will improve dialogue between communities and government, address the root causes of insecurity, combat corruption and strengthen community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
He stressed that rebuilding public trust would require stronger coordination among institutions, effective intelligence sharing and increased grassroots vigilance.
Idris also challenged traditional rulers and religious leaders to take leading roles in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence across communities.
Describing young people and women as indispensable partners in peacebuilding, he said they must be fully involved in designing and implementing sustainable security initiatives.
“Young people and women are critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and must be actively involved in shaping lasting security solutions,” he said.
The convener noted that the summit was intended to deliver more than speeches, revealing that participants would develop a regional peace and security framework with actionable recommendations for implementation.
He further disclosed plans to institutionalise quarterly peace dialogues and establish a network of community peace and youth ambassadors to sustain engagement and monitor progress across the region.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, Idris said the coalition was determined to change the narrative of Northern Nigeria from one defined by insecurity to one driven by resilience, peace and inclusive development.
“The success of this initiative will depend on our collective commitment to implementing the resolutions that emerge from this summit,” he added.
The summit attracted prominent traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior government officials, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and experts in peace, security and public policy.
Participants are expected to adopt a communiqué containing recommendations aimed at strengthening regional collaboration, improving community security and advancing sustainable peace across Northern Nigeria.
(The Sun)