For many years, the Kaninkon Chiefdom and Dangoma community in Kaduna State, Nigeria, coexisted peacefully despite their ethnic and religious differences. However, recent violent clashes between the Kaninkon natives and the Fulani community disrupted this harmony, threatening to plunge the area into prolonged conflict. The attacks, which stemmed from rising tensions and suspicions, saw a Fulani youth severely beaten, sparking fears of retaliation. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria mobilized trained volunteers to mediate, engage community leaders, and foster reconciliation.
The peace sensitization program, held on March 7, 2025, was designed to strengthen inter-communal harmony in Kaninkon Chiefdom. Organized with the support of local volunteers, faith leaders, and traditional rulers, the initiative emphasized nonviolence, dialogue, and collaboration. More than 100 participants gathered to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence, including community leaders, youth, security personnel, and religious figures.
The Senior Program Manager of GPF Nigeria, representing the Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, delivered a speech underscoring the importance of unity and dialogue in conflict resolution. He reminded participants that true peace is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
A pivotal aspect of the program was an interactive discussion, during which community members openly shared their fears, grievances, and hopes for the future. Testimonies from both Kaninkon and Fulani representatives highlighted the initiative’s transformative impact. One Fulani youth, who had previously feared for his safety, expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts, stating that the dialogue had restored his confidence in the community’s commitment to peace.
Beyond addressing the immediate tensions, the program recognized the role of families in peacebuilding. Parents and elders were engaged in discussions about their influence on the youth, encouraging them to guide their children toward nonviolence and conflict resolution. Traditional leaders reinforced their responsibility in disciplining youth involved in past attacks, ensuring that future disputes would be handled through dialogue rather than aggression.
The initiative also promoted a culture of service by encouraging volunteerism among young people. Trained volunteers played a key role in mediation and peace advocacy, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for community stability. These volunteers became instrumental in diffusing tensions and preventing further escalation by engaging in shuttle diplomacy, meeting with key stakeholders, and facilitating sensitization efforts.
The program yielded significant outcomes, with at least five families of victims and perpetrators engaging in peace dialogues. More than 60 youth participated, gaining a deeper understanding of the consequences of violence and the benefits of reconciliation. Once strained by suspicion, community relationships began to heal as trust was rebuilt between the Kaninkon and Fulani communities.
A key testimony from a Kaninkon youth volunteer encapsulated the program’s success, “I used to see the Fulani as outsiders, but now I understand that we are all part of one community. I am committed to being a peace ambassador and encouraging my friends to choose dialogue over violence.”
Moving forward, the sustainability of peace efforts remains a priority. Local leaders and volunteers have pledged to continue engaging in regular dialogue sessions, monitoring tensions, and promoting nonviolence. Through continuous collaboration and a shared commitment to peace, Kaninkon Chiefdom stands as a model for community-led conflict resolution, demonstrating that reconciliation is possible when people choose understanding over division. This initiative reaffirms the vision of “One Family under God,” a principle championed by the Global Peace Foundation, reminding communities that unity and peace are the cornerstones of a thriving society.
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