From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
A religious peace advocate group, Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre, established by former Archbishop of Jos Catholic Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, is seeking for solutions to incessant crisis in Plateau State.
The religious and traditional council met in Jos, Plateau State, to seek new ways to promote peaceful coexistence among communities in the state as well profer solutions to the renew interest.
The meeting which was organised by the peace advocate centre “Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP)” brought together religious leaders from the two dominant religions (Christianity and Islam) in attendance to proffer solution to the renewed interest.
The Director, DREP, Very Rev. Fr Blaise Agwom, in an address at the meeting said that the meeting became necessary due to recent happenings in some parts of Plateau state, particularly in Bassa Local Government Area, where many lives were lost.
“You can see that the paramount ruler of Irigwe is here with us and Fulani leaders are also here for us to discuss the issues because we need peace in our dear state. “When we meet, we give update on events that are taking place in our communities, we discuss them and see how we can intervene. “Our interventions sometimes are to call on authorities concerned to take actions that will restore peace,” he said.
Agwom said that DREP Centre has been partnering government and relevant agencies working to entrench peace in the state. He thanked government for appreciating what DREP Centre has been doing in the area of peace.
“I remember, the governor has appointed a permanent representative, the Director of Plateau Peace Building Agency to be part of our meetings. “Through him, we believe that whatever we resolve, the message will get to the governor. “Already, government has implemented some of the recommendations of the centre,” he said.
Emir of Wase, Alh Haruna Sanbo, represented by the Galadiman Wase
Alhaji Mustapha Galadima, who chaired the meeting urged members to contribute freely and without prejudice, saying that with God’s help, they would suggest ways that would promote peaceful coexistence.
The chairman urged Plateau citizens to remain committed to the dream of the founding fathers of DREP Centre, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, now Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese.
“We must ensure that the centre does not collapse. We must work for it to continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
