The Kaduna State Peace Commission has declared 2024 as a peaceful year free from all kinds of violence.

KSPC’s executive vice-chairman, Sale Momale, disclosed this during a meeting jointly organised by the commission and the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), facilitated by AID Foundation in Kaduna.

He said there was no single record of conflict between herders and farmers, and there was no politically-induced violence even during the local government and by-elections of Kaduna.

Mr Momale added that there was no violent confrontation bordering chieftaincy disputes or violence over boundary matters.

“We salute and appreciate the people of Kaduna state for making this possible, including our various stakeholders that have worked very hard to make this a practical reality.

“The major challenge in terms of peace and security are the activities of criminal groups and gangs, which are a national and regional dilemma in which the worst affected states in the country are in the North-West geopolitical zone,” he said.

Mr Momale explained that Katsina and Kaduna, as well as Zamfara and Niger, were having the highest issues related to criminal activities by bandits and other associated militant groups.

Mr Momale said despite these issues, the commission has been engaging the state and federal governments and was hopeful that the issues would be addressed soon.

He urged faith-based organisations, NGOs, and the Network of Peace Journalists to collaborate with the commission to campaign to end banditry in Kaduna.

Mr Momale commended the government’s effort to bring peace to Birnin Gwari LGA, saying such efforts should be replicated in other council areas plagued by banditry.

(NAN)