Security Agencies, youth groups brainstorm over peace building in Kaduna
NAN-H
Peace
By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna, March 7, 2018 (NAN) Security agencies and youth groups in Kaduna State have met on Wednesday to proffer practical solutions to the recurring violence in the state, so as to build sustainable peace among communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by A Woman’s Heart Foundation in collaboration with the Kaduna State University.
Those in attendance, including the Police, officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and civil groups from different communities, cautioned against hate speeches and dissemination of inciting information.
They agreed that such actions often trigger violence and divisions in the society.
The police representative at the event, ASP Nafiu Habib, said it was important for all well meaning Nigerians to get involved in public enlightenment on the dangers of spreading inciting information capable of disrupting the peace.
He added that religious institutions have important role to play in building peace among their followers, and preaching against hate speech, religious and ethnic intolerance.
Also, Hafsat Garba of the NSCDC called for strong sanctions on those spreading false messages with a view to inciting violence.
“If people who carry or spread sensitive information that may destabilize the society are charged and sanctioned, an example would be set for others not to join suit”, she said.
Abdulaziz Mukhtar, a youth leader in Barnawa, Kaduna urged youth to abide by their religious teachings which emphasised love, forgiveness and tolerance.
He also advised the youth against clinging to ethnic cleavages, instead of viewing issues from clear perspective and pushing for dialogue in settling contentious issues irrespective of the tribe or religion of who is involved.
A broadcaster, Fatima Abubakar said the media has the power to make or mar the peace of a society and urge journalist to be agents of peace at all times.
” Media reports can either promote peace or violence and as such media houses must be careful in reporting news that may incite violence”, she said.
Fatima, who works with the Nigerian Television Authority stressed that the code of ethics of journalism was very clear on the media content that should go out to the public.
“It is very clear that news that carry inciting messages are not supposed to be aired so as to maintain peace and stability in the society,” she added.(NAN)
AMG/MZA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed