By Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of ‘Coalition of Civil Society for Peace’ in Katsina State has expressed strong support for the Katsina State Government’s peace initiative with armed groups.
The coalition made its position known during a press briefing held at the Press Centre of the NUJ in the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its Chairman, Comrade Shamsuddeen Salisu Na Alhaji, said the decision to support the peace initiative followed extensive research and field assessments conducted in several security challenged communities across the state.
According to him, the findings revealed that peace agreements reached between local communities and armed groups have yielded the desired results, adding that the groups believed that the peace deal isThe groups expressed the belief that the peace deal is aimed at restoring security in areas long affected by banditry.
He stated that incidents of violent attacks and kidnappings have been drastically reduced by nearly 90 percent, further said that abductions along major routes in affected local government areas have virtually become a thing of the past.
“Today, people can travel to and from towns such as Batsari and Jibia at any time of the day, even at night, without fear,” he said.
Na Alhaji further noted that the peace process has enabled farmers to return to their farmlands, while schools that were previously shut down due to insecurity have been reopened, allowing students and teachers to resume academic activities.
He added that the initiative has also begun to restore cordial relations between Hausa and Fulani communities, with markets reopened and peaceful social and economic interactions now taking place.
“Presently, as a result of the peace accord with the armed groups, cases of killings and injuries have significantly declined, as reflected in reports from hospitals and the media. In summary, dialogue has succeeded where the use of arms and military airstrikes failed to resolve the crisis over many years,” he said.
The coalition distanced itself from critics of the peace initiative, stressing that its position aligns with that of security experts and conflict resolution professionals globally, who recognise dialogue as a credible and effective tool for achieving lasting peace.
The groups further expressed It strong stand with the Katsina State Government and called on other Northern states to accord greater priority to reconciliation and dialogue in tackling terrorism and violent conflicts.
They used the occasion to commend the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for his sustained efforts toward restoring peace and security across the state.
