From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The people of Bakumba community in Lokoja local government area of Kogi state have been charged to Embrace Crisis management so as to sustain the existing peaceful coexistence in the community.
The Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) Chief of Party, Mercy corps, Mr. David Gatari gave the charge over the weekend at Bakumba Community’s annual Peace event held at their event centre.
Gatari noted that the co – habitable nature of the Fulanis and Bassa people in the community has demonstrated the need for internal Crisis management than calling for government intervention.
The Chief of Party who stressed the need for people to be their brothers keeper and stop fuelling crisis that could lead to loss of lives and destruction of property said such act hinders rural development.
In his good will message, the Executive Director Pastoral Resolve, Alhaji Umar Dari Baba said one cannot rule out conflict in any given society but its early management will solve many of problems and setback in a community.
The Executive Director called for peace resolution managers to sensitise the people to always engage in profitable activities for the socio-economic development of their area than engaging in criminality.
He therefore advised parents in the community to brighten the future of their children by sending them to school adding that education is the bedrock of any nation.
In his remarks, the programme manager, pastoral resolve, Muhammad Sanusi commended the Community Trust Building event under Community Initiatives to Promote Peace for their commitment in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst people with different backgrounds in Bakumba community of Kogi state.
In their seperate remarks, the Aguma (Bassa) of Bakumba, James Ododo and Seriki Fulani in Bakumba, Alhaji Muhammed Musa pointed out that their peaceful co – habitation is credited to the strong conflict resolution umpire in the community.
They commended the CIPP/ Mercy corps for their love, commitment and encouragement to sustain the existing peace and renewal of confidence in the people of the community.
Highlights of the event was the joints drama piece and cooking between the Bassa and Fulani people in the Bakumba community which was applauded by hundreds of participants devoid of their religion backgrounds.
