Judiciary
The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has urged the government to adopt restorative justice approach to peace, towards ending the lingering crises in Southern Kaduna.
Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation said this at a stakeholders’ roundtable on peace and security in Kafanchan on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was convened by the foundation in partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria.
Para-Mallam said the restorative justice approach will ensure peaceful resolution of crises by restoring trust rather, than retribution.
According to him, Rwanda is an instructive example of restoring a nation after a conflict.
“As part of restorative justice, the society must be ready to fish out any identifiable person causing harm in the community.
“An example was the action of the Emir of Wase who reported a evil plan of a group who invaded his area,” he said.
He urged the government to strive towards creating a platform for genuine peace and reconciliation in Southern Kaduna.
In his remarks, Maj.-Gen Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, Commander of the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven, said the task force remained resolute in tackling security challenges in Southern Kaduna.
“We have reinforced our troops and improved our response time which has led to some progress in the fight against crime in recent times.
“We can’t afford to be overwhelmed. We have stepped up our game just as we have kept ourselves abreast of emerging trends.
“Though the operation is quite complex because of the different dimensions of the conflict, we have made arrests and neutralised some criminals,” he said.
He said sustainable peace could only be achieved if communities collaborate to isolate criminals living among them.
“Achieving peace is in our hands. The body language and speech in some communities gives credence to some of these criminal activities.
“If our body language and comments fall in line with our desire for peace, then there will be peace and that peace will last,” he said.
The Commander called for creation of vigilance groups involving all ethnic groups in the area.
In his remarks, Mr Haruna Tugga, state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria said it was only through dialogue that warring entities can iron out their differences and find a way to co- exist.
Tugga maintained that peace had become necessary as there could be no meaningful development in the area without peace. (NAN)
Mar 3, 2021 @ 12;10pm
Tags: Foundation urges government to adopt restorative justice approach to peace in Southern Kaduna
