From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly Kagarko Local Government Area, to remain steadfast in promoting peace and national unity, describing peaceful coexistence as the foundation of Nigeria’s collective progress.
Represented by his personal adviser, Musa Likita, the CDS made the appeal during an expanded security meeting held at the Kagarko Local Government Secretariat, where stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the Nigerian nation and rejected attempts to create division through false reports of unrest.
Likita emphasised that the Nigerian Armed Forces views community peace as a critical pillar of national security, warning residents against falling for the antics of “selfish individuals” seeking to incite conflict.
He said: “No one should allow selfish individuals to disrupt the peace we enjoy.
“The federal government’s on-going projects from the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, to the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Defence Farm at Gurara Dam are evidence of commitment to national development, and peace is the only way to sustain this progress.”
He added that the defence sector remains committed to strengthening community dialogue and supporting local initiatives that reinforce mutual understanding among Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or occupation.
Also speaking, Ardo Usman Abdullahi, who represented the Fulani herders in Kagarko, tendered an apology over recent incidents involving damage to farmlands by cattle, assuring that those involved would face disciplinary action within the herders’ community.
“Night grazing is alien to our culture. We condemn it completely and stand with farmers for peaceful coexistence. We are Nigerians before anything else, and peace is our collective responsibility,” Abdullahi said.
Earlier, the Women Leader, Mrs Charity Dangana, said the people of Kagarko were determined to stand firm against misinformation and attempts to portray the area as unstable, stressing that: “We are peaceful people, and I want to state clearly that Kagarko Local Government Area is not in crisis.
“For decades, we have lived together as brothers and sisters — Christians, Muslims, farmers, and herders alike, and we shall continue to live together as one united people under Nigeria.”
