Foundation, British High Commission collaborate, on peaceful coexistence in Plateau State

The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam foundation in collaboration with British high commission Abuja have engaged Plateau stakeholders on peace dialogue to end the age long vicious circle of violence ravaging the state.

A three day peace dialogue initiative held at Crispan Hotels, Jos, the state capital drawn participants from Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South and Jos East LGAs respectively, cutting across Christian and Muslim faith.

It would be recall that since 2001 to date Plateau continue to sustain different circle of violence with Bassa LGA now becomes the epic center of attacks.

According to Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, the founder of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam foundation, said aim of the initiative is to promote reconciliation and peaceful co-existence through peace building as a tool to de-escalate violence between Christians and Muslims in Plateau State and Nigeria.

He said, ”we began with youths on Monday across the six LGAs where discuss at length and come up with solutions. We deliberate with about 86 women and their leaders on Tuesday looking at role women play in peace building process and today bringing together leaders of inter-religious and communities will go a long way in addressing the issue of violence no the Plateau.

“Our desire as deep diet peace dialogue comes to an end is that the people of Plateau State will continue to value dialogue over taking pains in avenging killings in their communities.

“We desire that people engaged in practice tolerance and forgiveness, we encourage people to promote the sense of justice and fairness for all in the state and in the various communities.

“We do not encourage the continuation of the circle of violence that we witnessed and that is why we have brought the young people on Monday, the women on Tuesday and today we consider the traditional rulers, religious leaders and community leaders where all deliberating to make sure that this state experiences peace,” he mentioned.

In their goodwill messages; deputy Imam of Jos Central mosque, sheikh Gazali Adam said peace is priceless and nothing can moved on in Nigeria without peace.The representative of COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Vomdip acknowledged that peace is very important, peace is a panacea to development and religion. Without peace which is God given people must commit themselves towards maintaining peace!

However, Hajiya Fatima Suleiman, executive director of ICN learning center, Jos emphasize the need for parental guidance which is lacking in our communities, noting that women have a role to play to minimize the issues of gender based violence, criminality among children which is need to be included in their moral upbringing for us us to have a just society.

Paramount Ruler of Irigwe chiefdom, Brra Nggwe Rigwe, HRH Rev. Ronku Aka (rtd), said we need peace in our various communities on the Plateau to coexist despite the fact that we are having different religion and tribes.