Clergy calls for collaboration to bridge ethnic, religious divides in Taraba

A renowned preacher and peace advocate, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, has called on stakeholders to unite in addressing the ethnic and religious tensions undermining peace and development in Taraba State, and Nigeria at large.

Speaking yesterday during a community engagement meeting in Wukari local government council of Taraba state, he emphasized the urgency of fostering reconciliation to ensure sustainable harmony in the area.

The event, which brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, political representatives, and women’s groups, focused on strategies to promote peace across Wukari, Takum, and Ussa local government councils.

“Taraba has endured its fair share of divisions, driven by religion, inter-ethnic tensions, and chieftaincy disputes,” Rev. Para-Mallam said, adding that “These factors remain the primary triggers of conflict in the three LGAs we assessed.”

Through the Gideon-Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s Project Zamanlafiya Taraba, the peace advocate, as made known by him, has initiated efforts to bridge divides by engaging diverse stakeholders.

The project, according to him, has introduced Conflict Management Support Groups in the three local government councils to empower local communities to resolve conflicts independently and sustain peace initiatives.

“Our mission is to spread the message of peace and ensure that stakeholders in these local government councils, lead the charge in fostering interfaith and inter-ethnic harmony,” Rev. Para-Mallam stated.

The converner who highlighted the role of women in peace-building efforts believed that with all hands on deck, the much desired peaceful co-existence irrespective of religion, and political and tribal affiliations, can be achieved.

On her part, the women leader of the Jukun Youth Cultural and Development Association, Justina Achiken, stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that women often bear the brunt of conflict but are key agents of reconciliation.

In their various submission, participants, who include Christian and Muslim leaders, youth organizations, and political figures, collectively agreed that the initiative will go a long way in addressing the incessant crisis in the aforementioned local government councils of Taraba, stating that “this is a timely intervention. We pledge to work collaboratively to ensure peace prevails in our communities.”