Engage conflict communities to resolve herders, farmers’ clashes – IFDFP tells govts

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IFDFP) has tasked federal and state governments in cooperation with all stakeholders to work sincerely for peace and harmony in the country in order to keep the hope of the country flying.
The Forum, comprising of notable Christian and Muslim leaders across the country, stated this yesterday in Makurdi, Benue state on peace advocacy visit to the state.
Head of the IDFP advocacy team to the state, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, told the state police commissioner, Mr Etim Ene Okon, that they were in the state to identify with the tragic events that have caused loss of lives and properties as a result of the clashes between herders and farmers.
“We are here to engage with conflict communities and review past strategies and interventions.
We are determined to evolve better strategies in resolving our conflict through direct engagements with the people.
“We are not only concerned with Benue state alone; other states in crisis are also part of our focus.
In our bid to facilitate peace, we are also visiting those states in the country,” Ibrahim said.
Speaking in his office when the IDFP team visited him, the state police commissioner, Ene Okon, commended them for embarking on peace advocacy to the state, adding that the visit was not only appropriate but demonstrated the resolve of the leaders to preach peace, harmony and stability of the country.
“In a way the police are peace advocates just like your forum.
We must be engaged in preaching and embracing peace.
It is only in a peaceful society that you can maintain law and order.
“Benue state has been a focus in the past eight or nine months.
But we are working hard to ensure we secure the lives and properties of our citizens.
I am in complete agreement with your forum on the need for peace.
We are happy to see you in Benue state and we are hopeful that your group will collaborate with other stakeholders in search for peace,” he said.
Members on the delegation included the Country Expert of KAICIID for Nigeria, Joseph Stang, Professor Peter Agogo, Alhaji (Dr) Haroun O Ajah, Rev Sunday K Simon, Alhaji Aminu Haske, Elder Sunday Onyibe and Rev Bitrus Dangiwa among others

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